Tag: President of Finland

Why President Relander was Called “Traveling Lauri”…and other nicknames of Presidents of Finland

Most of the former Finnish presidents have earned beloved nicknames from the people. Do you know who was “Manu”, or why Relander was called “Traveling Lauri”?

Most of the former presidents of Finland have earned beloved nicknames from the people.
Do you know who was “Manu”, or why Relander was called “Traveling Lauri”?

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud was “Old Man Pehr”

P.E. Svinhufvud was the president of Finland from 1931 until 1937. He was very popular president and was known simply as “Ukko-Pekka” (Old Man Pehr).

Lauri Kristian Relander was “Traveling Lauri”

L.K. Relander was the president of Finland from 1925 until 1931. He made several state visits to neighboring countries and hosted many visits to Finland. As in those days tourism wasn’t as common as it is today, Finns were very interested to know about his trips. This earned him his nickname “Reissu-Lasse” (Traveling Lauri).

Urho Kaleva Kekkonen was “Urkki”

Urho Kaleva Kekkonen was the longest serving president of Finland from 1956 until 1982. He is often referred to by his initials UKK or remembered simply as “Urkki”.

Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim was “Marski”

C.G.E Mannerheim was most famous Finnish military leader and the president of Finland from 1944 until 1946. Everyone in Finland knows who is “Marski”.

Mauno Koivisto was “Manu”

Mauno Koivisto was the president of Finland from 1982 until 1994. He was known as “Manu”.

Image features president L.K. Relander in 1930s.
Photographer Aarne Pietinen. Image by Finnish Aviation Museum.

Former Presidents of Finland – How Many Do You Know?

Do you know any of the former presidents of Finland?
Who was Finland’s first president?
Who is currently the president of Finland?
Time to find out!

Do you know any of the former presidents of Finland?
Who was Finland’s first president?
Do you know who you is currently the president of Finland?

Former Presidents of Finland:

1. Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg (1865-1952)

President of Finland 1919-1925
Want to read more about K.J. Stålberg?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

2. Lauri Kristian Relander (1883-1942)

President of Finland 1925-1931
Want to read more about L.K. Relander?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

3. Pehr Evind Svinhufvud (1861-1944)

President of Finland 1931-1937
Want to read more about President P.E. Svinhufvud?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

4. Kyösti Kallio (1873-1940)

President of Finland 1937-1940
Want to read more about President Kyösti Kallio?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

5. Risto Ryti (1889-1956)

President of Finland 1940-1944
Want to read more about President Risto Ryti?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

6. Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim (1867-1951)

President of Finland 1944-1946
Want to read more about President C.G.E Mannerheim?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

7. Juho Kusti Paasikivi (1870-1956)

President of Finland 1946-1956
Want to read more about President J.K. Paasikivi?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

8. Urho Kaleva Kekkonen (1900-1986)

President of Finland 1956-1982
Want to read more about President Urho Kekkonen?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

9. Mauno Koivisto (1923-2017)

President of Finland 1982-1994
Want to read more about President Mauno Koivisto?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

10. Martti Ahtisaari (1937-)

President of Finland 1994-2000
Want to read more about President Martti Ahtisaari?
Here is a link to his biography at the National Biography of Finland

11. Tarja Halonen (1943-)

President of Finland 2000-2012
Want to read more about President Tarja Halonen?
Here is a link to her biography at the National Biography of Finland

Current President of Finland:

12. Sauli Niinistö (1948-)

Current president of Finland since 2012. Was re-elected in 2018.
Want to read more about the President Sauli Niinistö?
Here is a link to his biography

Sources:
Former Presidents of the Republic of Finland
National Biography of Finland

Image features three former presidents fo Finland. Presidents Svinhufvud, Kallio and Mannerheim in 1937. Photographer Gösta Sauren. Image by Finnish Heritage Agency.