Three former MPs in Finland receive adaptation benefits for over two decades

Three former members of Finland’s parliament have been receiving adaptation benefits or pensions for over a decade, with one having done so for more than 25 years. The Finnish Broadcasting Company Yle recently inquired about their ongoing support claims.

Marjut Köpsi, a former MP from the National Coalition Party, lost her seat in March 1999 and has since been accessing adaptation benefits for 25 consecutive years. This revelation came to light when Yle examined which former politicians received these funds in June 2024, identifying 33 individuals on the list. Köpsi, who now spends her time walking her dogs and boating in the archipelago, explained that she returned to work as a nurse after leaving parliament, while also drawing on her parliamentary pension.

“In the past, the support was coordinated with earned income,” she stated but could not recall specific amounts. Since leaving formal employment, Köpsi has worked various short-term jobs but has mainly relied on the adaptation payment in recent years, which she claims has been essential for her financial stability.

Meanwhile, another former MP, Suvi Lindén, who has been receiving the benefits since 2011, highlighted the stigma associated with being a politician, making it more difficult to find work post-parliament. Lindén, who has earned over €70,000 in recent years, has transitioned into business life after her political career but still benefits from adaptation support.

Marjaana Koskinen, another recipient of benefits since leaving office in 2011, declined to discuss her situation. Adaptation payments, which were previously granted for longer periods, are now typically awarded for one to three years, highlighting the unique circumstances of Köpsi, Lindén, and Koskinen. They are among the last to receive such extended benefits due to changes in legislation in 2019 aimed at limiting payouts deemed excessively generous.