Kouvola MP Ville Kaunisto Sells Home After Threats Over Emergency Healthcare Cuts
Kouvola Member of Parliament and City Council Chair Ville Kaunisto (National Coalition Party) has revealed that threats directed at his family forced him to sell his home and move into an apartment building. The disclosure was made in an interview with Kouvolan Sanomat, marking the first time Kaunisto has publicly addressed the matter.
Kaunisto, a second-term MP, stated that the threats escalated when the closure of the 24-hour emergency services at Ratamo Center in Kouvola was planned for early 2025. The family, which includes young children of daycare age, faced severe threats targeting their lives and health. Yle reports that Kaunisto described the situation as feeling like the threat "came from every direction." He eventually sought assistance from the Parliament’s security department and the Finnish Security Intelligence Service.
Despite the threats, Kaunisto and his colleagues successfully worked to ensure that Kouvola’s 24-hour emergency services were not discontinued. The service was spared from cost-cutting measures, allowing its operations to continue. Ilta-Sanomat notes that around-the-clock primary healthcare emergency services have faced similar threats in other municipalities, with closures implemented in places like Raahe, Jämsä, and Oulainen’s Oulaskangas Hospital, often sparking strong opposition.
Broader Issue of Threats Against Politicians
The threats against Kaunisto are part of a wider pattern of harassment targeting local politicians in Kouvola. According to Kouvolan Sanomat, several other politicians have received threatening messages, some of which have included direct threats to their lives. Jari Larikka (National Coalition Party) reported being threatened with being shot, while Jukka Nyberg (Social Democratic Party) said someone threatened to drive a car into him.
Inka Häkkinen (Social Democratic Party), a first-time city council member, faced harsh messages after entering politics, including a child welfare report that questioned her mental health due to her political stance. Paula Werning (Social Democratic Party) has also been subjected to harassment, including receiving penis images and a masturbation video during a parliamentary question session.
Politicians and experts have expressed concern that such threats could deter individuals from entering politics, potentially undermining democratic processes. Miia Witting, a city councillor from the National Coalition Party, told Kouvolan Sanomat that harassment risks driving valuable voices out of public debate. She acknowledged, however, that some messages may come from individuals facing personal struggles, with politicians serving as scapegoats.
Kaunisto confirmed to Yle that the details reported by Kouvolan Sanomat are accurate but declined to provide further comments on the matter.
