Koivisto took over the Finnish presidency after Urho Kekkonen, who had held the office for almost three decades. After Kekkonen’s authoritarian rule, Koivisto also helped strengthen the role of parliament to help balance the power of the president’s office.

In addition to serving as the ninth president of independent Finland, Koivisto also held the roles of Prime Minister, Finance Minister and Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Finland.

Born in Turku, Koivisto was awared the Order of the Cross of Liberty (2nd class) for his feats in the Continuation War. He then worked in Turku harbour and became active in Social Democratic politics.

He served as Prime Minister from 1968 until 1970 and again from 1979 until 1982.