MP Kaunisto sold home after threats escalated

National Coalition Party MP Ville Kaunisto has revealed he sold his family home in Kouvola last year after sustained threats against his family, Kouvolan Sanomat reports.

Kaunisto, who also chairs Kouvola’s city council, said the harassment began amid threats to close the Ratamo night-time emergency clinic. The abuse included threats to life and health, prompting him to contact parliamentary security and the Finnish Security Intelligence Service.

Concerns for his young children’s safety ultimately drove the decision to move to an apartment. Kaunisto told the paper he found the treatment unfair, as his work with colleagues had helped keep the emergency service open.

Other local politicians report similar abuse. Jari Larikka (NCP) received death threats, while Jukka Nyberg (SDP) was threatened with being run over. Inka Häkkinen (SDP) faced a child welfare report questioning her mental health over her political views, and Paula Werning (SDP) was sent explicit images during a parliamentary question session.

Miia Witting (NCP) warned that such harassment risks driving people out of politics, weakening democracy. She acknowledged some messages may come from individuals in distress, with politicians becoming proxy targets.