The Centre Party could welcome back a familiar face at the next election, after ex-leader Matti Vanhanen said he would stand as a candidate in the next election. He had resigned as Prime Minister and party leader in 2010, after a long, drawn-out scandal over party election funding.
He said at the time his resignation was for health reasons. After leaving parliament he took up a new role as head of the Finnish association of family businesses.
“The last four years have been a valuable and eye-opening experience, during which time I have seen how the recession looks from inside some of Finland’s best businesses,” said Vanhanen on announcing his bid for parliament at the association’s autumn meeting.
“Without the growth of businesses, Finland’s economy will not be saved. I want to support clear leadership for Finland.”
Vanhanen said he intends to run in the Uusimaa electoral district, which was his home district before. He will leave his post as head of the association during the winter or spring, once his successor has been found.