Pehr Evind Svinhufvud

President of Finland

15 December 1861 Sääksmäki, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire

29 February 1944(1944-02-29) (82) Luumäki, Republic of Finland

2 March 1931 – 1 March 1937

Third President of Finland (1931–37) "Svinhufvud" redirects here. For the family, see Svinhufvud (family). Pehr Evind SvinhufvudPehr Evind Svinhufvud during the Interwar Years3rd President of FinlandIn office 2 March 1931 – 1 March 1937Prime Minister Juho Sunila Toivo Mikael Kivimäki Kyösti KallioPreceded by Lauri Kristian RelanderSucceeded by Kyösti Kallio1st and 9th Prime Minister of FinlandIn office 4 July 1930 – 18 February 1931PresidentLauri Kristian RelanderPreceded by Kyösti KallioSucceeded by Juho SunilaIn office 27 November 1917 – 27 May 1918Preceded by Position establishedSucceeded by Juho Kusti PaasikiviState Regent of FinlandIn office 18 May 1918 – 12 December 1918Preceded by Position establishedSucceeded by Gustaf MannerheimChairman of the Senate of FinlandIn office 27 November 1917 – 27 May 1918Preceded by Eemil Nestor SetäläSucceeded by Juho Kusti Paasikivi Personal detailsBornPehr Evind Svinhufvud af Qvalstad (1861-12-15 ) 15 December 1861 Sääksmäki, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian EmpireDied29 February 1944(1944-02-29) (aged 82) Luumäki, Republic of FinlandNationalityFinnishPolitical partyYoung Finnish Party (before 1918) National Coalition Party (after 1918)Spouse(s)Ellen TimgrenChildrenPehr Yngve, Ilmo Gretel, Aino Mary Alfthan, Eino Gustaf, Arne Bertel and Veikko Eivind See Svinhufvud family Alma materImperial Alexander University (now University of Helsinki)OccupationLawyer, JudgeSignatureNickname(s)Ukko-Pekka Pehr Evind Svinhufvud af Qvalstad (Finland Swedish:  ; 15 December 1861 – 29 February 1944) was the third President of Finland from 1931 to 1937. Serving as a lawyer, judge, and politician in the Russian Grand Duchy of Finland, he played a major role in the movement for Finnish independence. In 1917–1918, Svinhufvud was the first Head of State of independent Finland, first as Chairman of the Senate and subsequently as Protector of State or Regent. He also served as Prime Minister from 1930 to 1931. As a conservative who was strong in his opposition to communism and the Left in general, Svinhufvud did not become a President embraced by all the people, although as the amiable Ukko-Pekka ("Old Man Pekka"), he did enjoy wide popularity. Svinhufvud's sharp line as a defender of Finland's legal rights during the period of autonomy was especially valued from the 1920s until the end of the World War II, unlike in later decades. Ever since communism and the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, Svinhufvud’s appreciation has begun to increase.