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

‘I brought the Anglo-American way of handling political issues to Finnish television journalism. Before I came in the picture, reporters didn’t comment much on the content. But I did. I was openly myself and expressed my own views during the interviews. And I certainly succeeded in that.’

Salmén was tired of the ‘curtain of objectivity’ that was shrouding the production of TV programs.

‘It’s impossible. It’s better to be present as yourself, warts and all. For the sheer sake of the quality of public discussion it’s important not to go with it all and tuck away the bad bits, but openly bring up the contradictions and differences and diversity that are a part of politics.’

Salmén’s first steady job was at the Suomen Tietotoimisto news agency (STT), where he started working during his studies in 1973. After that he paid a quick visit to the world of theatre, and later started working at FBC, first on the Swedish and later on the Finnish side.

‘I was interested in societal matters. Writing and self-expression came naturally to me. It felt like my thing. Still does.’

In the 1980s, Salmén became a feared and appreciated public figure. He worked hard and long. Eventually he tired and had enough of all the flurry.

‘I started feeling like there was more to life than political journalism. I went to Barcelona and started living off writing. After that I haven’t had a day job.’

Salmén’s life is reading and writing.

‘I’ve stayed curious. In fact I’m more curious than ever.’

Salmén’s new book is due to come out next year. Like many of his previous works, it is about the Mediterranean. What is special about the Mediterranean?

‘I studied Latin at the Helsinki Normal Lyceum, I grew up with Caesar. Philosophy studies at the university are also based on Greek philosophy. I’ve carried the Mediterranean with me since then, as a spiritual home. I’ve also spent a lot of time in the area, on all the coasts.’

Salmén is next taking off to Smyrna on the western coast of Turkey. There he is going to finish off the final lines of his new book.