Pekka Vennamo, a notable figure in Finnish politics, has died at the age of 81 following an acute illness. He passed away in Meilahti Hospital, leaving behind a legacy as a former member of parliament and as the chairman of the Finnish Rural Party (SMP). His death has elicited tributes from fellow politicians, including Timo Soini, who reflected on his intelligence and steadfast character.

Timo Soini, former chairman of the True Finns party and a member of the SMP, recalled working closely with both Pekka Vennamo and his father, Veikko Vennamo, the founder of the SMP. Soini underscored that Pekka Vennamo was exceptionally clever but maintained a level-headed approach, which he found surprising. Veikko Vennamo established the SMP in 1959, which later played a significant role in Finnish politics until it faced bankruptcy in 1995. This led to Soini and others founding the True Finns, hinting at the impact Vennamo’s leadership had on his career and the political landscape.

Pekka Vennamo took over as the chairman of the SMP in 1979 and was instrumental in shaping the party's direction during his tenure. Although his style was different from his father’s more flamboyant personality, Soini’s remarks suggest that Vennamo carried forward the legacy with a unique approach, balancing intelligence with practicality. His passing marks the end of an era for many in Finnish politics who were influenced by the Vennamo family's contributions to the country’s political narrative.