Soini decides to quit politics

Foreign Minister Timo Soini, the former chair of Perussuomalaiset (Finns Party) will not contest the upcoming European parliamentary elections, reported national broadcaster Yle.

Soini wrote in his blog that he will continue to serve as the foreign minister, and afterwards as a free Finnish man.

Political parties had until Thursday to announce their candidates for the European parliamentary elections scheduled for next month.

"When the new government begins, I will sit in the Senate Square as a free man. My life will change fundamentally because I know what it has been," wrote Soini.

Soini said that his political career will be ended here, and that he will be leaving politics in very a jovial mood and as very pleased.

Soini was part of the group which broke away from Perussuomalaiset to form a new party, Sininen tulevaisuss (Blue Reform).