Pehr Evind Svinhufvud
Humanist of the day

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud

Most Finns remember Pehr Evind Svinhufvud for his role in quelling the 1932 Mäntsälä rebellion as well as for being a resolute man of the law. In many respects he was a key figure in Finland’s uncoupling from the Russian empire, and he also led his country in its first years as an independent nation. His extensive knowledge, both of history and the law, ensured his competence as a judge as well as his ability to meet the demands of head of state in the 1930s.

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud
Born December 15, 1861, Sääksmäki. Died February 29, 1944, Luumäki.

Master of Arts (History), 1881, Imperial Alexander University
Master of Laws (Roman and Canon), 1886, Imperial Alexander University
Master of Laws, 1888

Assessor, Turku Court of Appeals, 1902
Judge, Heinola Circuit, 1906
Judge, Lappee Circuit, 1908
Procurator, 1917–1918

Managing Director, Suomen Vakuus Ltd (finance), 1919–1920
President of the Senate, 27.11.1917–27.5.1918
State Protector, 18.5.–12.12.1918
Member, High Court of Impeachment, 1919–1931
Prime Minister, 4.7.1930–18.2.1931
President of the Republic, 1931–1937

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Written by Tero Juutilainen
Translated by John Calton

‘Ukko-Pekka’ as president

More or less throughout the 1920s Pehr Evind Svinhufvud remained on the margins of political life. He worked as a managing director in a bank, but when he didn’t get ahead, he turned his attention to farming in Luumki. Svinhufvud was however active in the civil guard.

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