Pehr Evind Svinhufvud

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud af Qvalstad (Known as "Ukko-Pekka")

Regent of Finland (1918), Third President of Finland (1931–1937), Prime Minister

Born Dec 15, 1861

Sääksmäki, Finland

Passed Away Feb 29, 1944 Luumäki, Finland

Lifespan 82 years old

1 views

Notice / Correction

"First the law must be defended, for without law there is neither freedom nor nation."

Archival Overview

Legendary statesman affectionately known as 'Ukko-Pekka' who chaired the Senate that declared Finnish independence on December 6, 1917, and single-handedly halted the 1932 fascist Mäntsälä rebellion via radio.

Biographical Record

Pehr Evind Svinhufvud was born on December 15, 1861, in Sääksmäki. An unyielding jurist and judge, Svinhufvud refused to obey illegal tsarist Russification edicts, for which he was exiled to Tomsk in Siberia in 1914, returning in 1917 as a national hero.

As Chairman of the Senate, he signed and proclaimed the Finnish Declaration of Independence on December 6, 1917, traveling to Petrograd to receive recognition from Lenin. As President (1931–1937), his legendary 1932 radio speech commanded the far-right Lapua movement mutineers to return to their homes, preserving Finnish constitutional democracy without bloodshed.

Memorial Guestbook & Tributes

0 messages recorded

Leave a Respectful Tribute

Select a sentiment or reaction (optional):

Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

Your Name / Title *

Your Email (Private, for anti-abuse)

Tribute Message *

No tributes recorded yet. Be the first to leave a message in honor of Pehr Evind Svinhufvud.

Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Luumäki Cemetery (Luumäen hautausmaa)
Luumäki, South Karelia, Finland

                         GPS: 60.9170, 27.5670                    

View on Memory Atlas

Archival Standards PastLegacies adheres to strict neutral biographical guidelines and legal standards of remembrance. Next-of-kin may request modifications or removal at any time via our expedited process.

Read Governance Policy →