Finnish MEP Mauri Pekkarinen (Cen) has announced that he does not plan to run for re-election in the European parliamentary elections next summer.
Born in Central Finland's Kinnula, the veteran politician turned 76 in October.
"I vowed to tell you my decision about my candidacy in good time. If I can live and be healthy, next summer I will leave my duties as a parliamentarian and settle down with my family," he said, adding that the decision was not easy.
"Being a member of the European Parliament has been a rewarding, inspiring and educational experience for me. I've been given responsibilities in matters that I wanted, especially in the fields of energy, industry and regional policy," he said, adding that the urge to continue working on those issues was strong.
Pekkarinen served as minister in five governments during his 40 years in Finnish parliament and served five years as an MEP. He said that after working such a long period he had asked himself and his loved ones whether it was time to move on.
"In any case, I will continue my term at full strength," he said, adding that he was grateful to the people who voted for him over the years.
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