Ben Zyskowicz. Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva
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Ben Zyskowicz, a National Coalition Party MP and the longest-serving member of Finland’s Parliament, is on medical leave after suffering a stroke last week. The 71-year-old politician was taken by ambulance from his home to Meilahti Tower Hospital in Helsinki last Tuesday morning. He remains under hospital care.
His aide Suvi Kolehmainen confirmed that the stroke left Zyskowicz with paralysis in his left arm and slurred speech. Despite these effects, he remains cognitively alert.
“His cognition and sense of humour are intact,” Kolehmainen said.
There is no estimate yet for his return to parliamentary duties.
Zyskowicz has served as a Member of Parliament continuously since 1979. He is the first Finnish MP of Jewish descent and a widely recognised figure in Finnish political life.
In recent years, his health has drawn public attention. He has previously spoken about his chronic migraines and their impact on his work. In 2023, Zyskowicz was assaulted in eastern Helsinki while campaigning for re-election.
Following the incident, he said the attacker acted out of political motives and used antisemitic language.
“He clearly had a political motive; he insulted me about Nato and Judaism,” Zyskowicz said at the time.
The current situation was first reported by Helsingin Sanomat and later confirmed by Kolehmainen to Yle.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
