Lasse Lehtonen has resumed his role as the chief of Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland, after an extended period of sick leave. His return marks the end of his absence from the position.

Lehtonen spent almost two months in Meilahti Hospital.

Lasse Lehtonen, the Director General of Kela (the Social Insurance Institution of Finland), is returning to work. He had been on sick leave since December 2025 due to a serious illness.

Lasse Lehtonen from Kela recounts December events in Brussels in an interview with Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, admitting to making communication errors last autumn.

Lasse Lehtonen of Kela reportedly violated regulations by independently commissioning a consultant report last autumn without competitive bidding, with potential consequences to be discussed later by the board.