Kyösti Kallio was a Finnish politician who served as the fourth president of Finland from 1937 to 1940. His presidency included leading the country through the Winter War; while he relinquished the post of commander-in-chief to Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, he played a role as a spiritual leader. After the war, he became both the first President of Finland to resign and the only one to die in office, dying of a heart attack while returning home after submitting his resignation.
Kallio in 1937
Kallio (centre, at the front) together with Mannerheim (left of Kallio) at the Helsinki railway station on December 19, 1940. Kallio had a fatal heart attack a few seconds after this photograph was taken by Hugo Sundström.
President Kyösti Kallio playing tennis at Kultaranta
Kallio and Juho Niukkanen in 1920s.
The president of the Republic of Finland is the head of state of Finland. The incumbent president is Alexander Stubb, since 1 March 2024. He was elected president for the first time in 2024.
President of Finland
Newly sworn President Martti Ahtisaari (2nd left) inspects the company of honor with outgoing President Koivisto (c.), followed by others, c. 1994
New President Sauli Niinistö (rt.) and outgoing President Halonen (2nd rt.) accompanied by military leaders, inspect the company of honor, c. 2012
Mauno Koivisto with President Ronald Reagan during a trip to Finland
