Timo Soini, Finland’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs and ex-chair of the Finns Party, pays tribute to Pekka Vennamo, who passed away at the age of 81. Vennamo is remembered for leading the Finnish Rural Party, a movement established by his father, Veikko Vennamo, which aimed to address rural issues in Finnish politics. Soini, who began his political career within the SMP in 1979, recalls how Vennamo's leadership inspired him throughout his journey in the political arena, reinforcing a commitment to grassroots involvement and advocacy for citizens.

In his tribute, Soini recalls Vennamo's dedication to improving the lives of ordinary people, arguing that awareness of social injustices is insufficient without proactive measures to enact change. He articulated that Vennamo embodied the principles of advocating for the marginalized not just through words but also through actions. Soini regards this approach as the 'best lesson' he received from Vennamo, emphasizing that true political progress comes from small, decisive steps aimed at fostering justice and equality in society.

Soini's reflections offer insights into the legacy left by Vennamo and highlight the importance of personal connections in politics. He urges contemporary politicians to embrace Vennamo's approach of serving the public by standing up for those in the shadows, ensuring that political efforts are directed toward tangible improvements in people’s lives. This tribute not only commemorates Vennamo's life but also serves as a call for a politics grounded in real-world impact and compassion.