Virkkunen nominated as candidate for commissioner in European Parliament

Henna Virkkunen, a prominent figure from the National Coalition Party and a Member of the European Parliament, is rising further in her political career as she is nominated as a candidate for commissioner. If she passes the European Parliament hearing, she will take on a significant role.

In her hometown of Jyväskylä, Virkkunen was a leading politician long before entering the national parliament. She was first elected to the city council in 1996, alongside fellow party member Reijo Savolin, who immediately recognized her determination. “I told my colleagues after just a couple of council meetings that this woman is going to go far in politics,” he remarked.

Described by Savolin as social, hardworking, and considerate, Virkkunen is quick to learn. In her free time, she enjoys playing baseball, a sport she took up due to her son’s involvement, and she currently serves as the president of the local women’s baseball team, Kirittäret.

Virkkunen entered parliament in 2007 and quickly ascended to a ministerial position in Jyrki Katainen’s government, becoming the Minister of Education after Sari Sarkomaa’s resignation. Katainen praised her work ethic and reliability, comparing her to Angela Merkel for her calm, responsible demeanor. Known for her sharp observations and sarcastic humor, Virkkunen often challenges her colleagues.

Despite her unassuming ambition, Virkkunen has progressively taken on more demanding roles, illustrating her strong internal motivation. Her career path began atypically; she dropped out of high school in the 1980s and worked at a Danish horse farm before becoming an intern at a youth publication.

An avid endurance athlete, she races with friends and always opts for the longest distance in competitions, demonstrating her tenacity. Friends describe her as determined, humorous, and fully present in every situation.