Pertti Hemmilä returns to Parliament after decade-long absence amid procedural controversy
Pertti Hemmilä (National Coalition Party, NCP), 70, will begin his term as a Member of Parliament on Monday, 11 May, following a delayed appointment process that has drawn criticism from the veteran politician. Hemmilä submitted his letter of appointment to Speaker of Parliament Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party) on Friday but will only take his seat at the start of the week, a situation he describes as unusual and unnecessary.
The delay stems from former MP Anne-Mari Virolainen’s decision to extend her brief tenure until Mother’s Day. Virolainen, who served as a deputy MP, filled the seat vacated by Saara-Sofia Sirén after Sirén left Parliament to become CEO of the Finnish Pension Alliance Tela in early May. Virolainen had already announced in January her intention to step down, but her term was prolonged until this weekend. Ilta-Sanomat (IS) reports that Hemmilä questioned the procedure, stating that under former Secretary General of Parliament Seppo Tiitinen, such an extension would not have been permitted.
Hemmilä expressed frustration over the situation, telling IS that he was "horrified" by the delay. He also criticized the broader political process, describing parliamentary question times as "terrible theatre" that fails to influence real decision-making. Despite his skepticism, he acknowledged that Finland’s civil service ensures stability regardless of political turbulence. "Even if we did not have a political government in place, there would be no emergency in this country," he said.
A return after 20 years
Hemmilä’s return to Parliament marks the end of a more than decade-long absence. He last served as an MP from 1999 to 2015, losing his seat in the 2015 elections by just 300 votes to Sirén. Yle notes that during his time away, Parliament’s building underwent significant renovations, including the relocation of its information services unit and the closure of its historic post office.
Speaking to Yle, Hemmilä described his reception in Parliament as warm, praising the continuity of its administrative processes. "The old, good way of working is still in place," he said. He also reflected on the changes to the parliamentary environment, though he emphasized that his focus remains on addressing everyday issues for constituents.
Hemmilä’s appointment fills the seat left vacant by Sirén’s departure, and he will serve for approximately a year. However, he has already confirmed his intention to run in the 2027 parliamentary elections, citing his good health and renewed enthusiasm for the role. IS reports that Hemmilä recently underwent surgery to remove a rare heart tumour, an experience he says has given him a "new life."
Political ambitions and local engagement
Before his return, Hemmilä spent the past three months touring municipalities in Southwest Finland, engaging with local communities. He described his approach as that of a "town crier," aiming to highlight issues affecting people’s daily lives. His political comeback was encouraged by NCP leadership, including Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Juha Rantasaari, the party’s Executive Director in Southwest Finland. Hemmilä recounted how Rantasaari’s persistent lobbying—including a late-night visit to his home—ultimately convinced him to run again.
Despite the procedural hiccups surrounding his appointment, Hemmilä appears determined to make an impact in his renewed role. His first plenary session will take place on Tuesday, marking the official start of his latest term in Parliament.
