Rare behind-the-scenes material released as Kekkonen’s trusted journalist completes her archive

Journalist Maarit Tyrkkö, who closely covered Urho Kekkonen’s final years as Finland’s president, has now finished organizing her extensive archive, reports Yle.

Among the materials is a letter from Kekkonen expressing deep trust in Tyrkkö, granting her control over his memoirs. “I trust you as I trust myself… All the material collected for the memoirs is in your possession. And I consider that a fortunate circumstance. You have the sense and judgment to decide how my memoir material can best be used…” the letter reads.

Tyrkkö’s archive, now complete, includes recordings, texts, and a vast photo collection capturing intimate, unofficial moments with Kekkonen—images that never appeared in official coverage. She describes the completion of the project as a relief rather than a nostalgic milestone. “If anyone has doubted what kind of journalist and young woman I was, the papers are now there to read,” she said.

The archive is divided into three sections: Tyrkkö’s personal materials, her joint archive with Kekkonen, and her broader journalistic work. Beyond the former president, it includes her father’s wartime letters, coverage of the Kangasala organ factory, and other professional records.

Her work with Kekkonen began with a request from the then-75-year-old president: to write a book about him “as a human being.” His instruction—“Just follow the everyday, that’s when a person is most natural”—reshaped her career. Kekkonen began calling her almost nightly, recounting the day’s events as she took notes.

One highlight is a phone diary detailing Soviet Defence Minister Dmitri Ustinov’s visit to Kultaranta. While official records focus on diplomatic talks, the diary reveals Kekkonen’s tactics—including using the sauna’s heat to wear down Soviet negotiators during discussions on joint military exercises.

The diary also captures Kekkonen’s private reflections, including his musings on life after the presidency: where he would live, and how he would manage without official support.

Tyrkkö had hoped Kekkonen might have stepped aside in 1978 to collaborate on his memoirs. Instead, political maneuvering extended his term. “There was this political game. Some needed more time to advance their own careers. Certain parties had two strong candidates for president, and they were essentially competing over who would get to continue. They needed a few more years, and then they told UK that on the Soviet side, there were men of the same age, so wouldn’t it be better for the fatherland to carry on as before?” she said.

A previously unpublished photo shows Tyrkkö adjusting Kekkonen’s tie in his office. Photographer Kalle Kultala had been ordered not to take her picture, but he disobeyed. When adjutants blocked its release, the image ended up in Kekkonen’s personal files. Upon seeing it, the president reportedly said, “I look so handsome here. Let Kultala publish it.”