Every third Finn polled chose Kekkonen. The former president’s popularity was highest among older-age groups and Centre Party supporters, but even for those under 30, only Martti Ahtisaari held a greater popularity.
After Kekkonen, the incumbent president Sauli Niinistö secured the second position claiming 17 per cent support while his predecessor Tarja Halonen got 13 per cent, Martti Ahtisaari 11 per cent, and Mauno Koivisto 6 per cent.
The presidents preceding Kekkonen – Paasikivi, Mannerheim and Ryti – were less popular.
The survey was conducted through interviewing in which 1,000 people took part.
