Finnish MP Ben Zyskowicz has returned home after months of stroke rehabilitation. The 71-year-old politician believes he can resume parliamentary duties when the spring session begins in February.
Zyskowicz suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at his Helsinki home in late July. He spent months recovering at the neurology rehabilitation unit of Helsinki University Hospital.
"Stroke symptoms aren't always visible from outside," Zyskowicz said in an interview. "I can't say for certain, but I hope and believe I can return to work."
His rehabilitation continues with daytime treatment while he sleeps at home. This day hospital phase will last four weeks.
Finland's longest-serving parliament member shows strong recovery progress. His left hand and leg, affected by the stroke, now function well. His speech remains clear though slightly slower than before.
One unusual symptom persists - he tears up easily. This happened several times during the interview. Medical staff confirmed this is typical after stroke.
Zyskowicz described the stroke hitting "like lightning from a clear sky." Emergency services responded immediately, transporting him to hospital with sirens blaring.
He expressed deep gratitude for Finnish healthcare professionals and the public health system.
"When someone arrives at hospital, nobody asks about insurance or wealth," Zyskowicz noted. "They just provide excellent care. This is a real strength in Finnish society."
He emphasized this wasn't a new opinion formed after his illness. He has always believed in public healthcare's necessity and excellence.
"This is exactly why we pay taxes - to have functioning healthcare when we get sick," Zyskowicz stated. "In serious medical emergencies, public healthcare is what comes to your rescue."
The veteran politician acknowledged existing challenges in accessing care, from primary health services to specialist surgery queues.
He sees no value in pitting private against public healthcare. Both are needed with proper division of labor and cooperation.
During rehabilitation, Zyskowicz has listened to audiobooks due to headaches preventing reading. He recently finished a book about Petteri Orpo and is midway through one about President Sauli Niinistö.
He also listened to a French novel about Finnish Winter War hero Simo Häyhä.
Zyskowicz says he hasn't undergone deep soul-searching about his life following the health scare.
"I'd happily continue my previous life," he shared. "My life before the illness wasn't just work anyway."
He considers himself fortunate that two grandchildren live in the same building. The 8- and 11-year-olds visit almost daily.
One practical change involves his driver's license being revoked. He regularly drove his 11-year-old grandson to floorball practice, a routine now interrupted.
When asked about unfinished political business, Zyskowicz joked: "I already managed to defeat communism and collapse the Soviet Union, so the major achievements are done."
He wants to thank everyone who sent encouragement during his recovery or congratulated his parliamentary record. On October 10th, he reached 17,003 days as MP - the most in Finnish history. Zyskowicz began his political career in 1979.
"The messages, flowers and cards have been incredible," he said. "I think they might have even helped my recovery. At minimum, they brought good cheer."
Support and congratulations came widely across political lines.
The MP's planned return demonstrates both his personal resilience and Finland's effective rehabilitation system. His experience highlights how even veteran politicians depend on the same public services they help shape through legislation.