Finnish Presidents

10 x 28 minute docudrama about Finnish presidents at fateful turns in the country’s history: moments when both the country and its head of state were at stake.These moments have put to the test the president’s wisdom, decision-making skills and strategic eye, but also the man as a human being.The series retells one decisive moment in the lives of ten Finnish presidents from Ståhlberg to Ahtisaari. These moments also shed light on the history of this young republic. This episode, The Sacrificed President, is about isto Ryti. The war is ending and Germany’s loss seems inevitable.The Soviet Union is advancing in southern Karelia and expects to be in Helsinki in three weeks.The Soviets require Finland to surrender, unconditionally. Germany’s foreign minister arrives in Helsinki. Germany wants Finland to fight alongside Germany and to refuse a separate peace pact. President Risto Ryti is between two fires.The events take place on 25 June 1944,Midsummer Day.