As a political reporter at FBC, Salmén is remembered particularly for his poignant style in campaign debates. He posed tough questions based on extensive background research, intimidating the political candidates.

In 2014, the Economic Policy Council, which was made up of independent and academic researchers, was founded in Finland to assess the objectives and instruments of economic policy. In its February report the Council recommended avoiding fiscal tightening in 2015 and 2016.

At the University of Helsinki, Leif Salmén found the intellectual environment which he enjoyed.

When Salmén had reached intermediate studies in philosophy, he started pondering whether the field would shape his career. His studies had gone well. He decided to ask his professor Erik Stenius.

‘I don’t dream of much. I don’t believe the world will get better, but it can get more tolerable if people are wise.'