Jürgen Ligi
| Jürgen Ligi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Minister of Education and Research | |
|
Assumed office 9 April 2015 | |
| Prime Minister | Taavi Rõivas |
| Preceded by | Jevgeni Ossinovski |
| Minister of Finance | |
|
In office 3 June 2009 – 3 November 2014 | |
| Prime Minister |
Andrus Ansip Taavi Rõivas |
| Preceded by | Ivari Padar |
| Succeeded by | Maris Lauri |
| Minister of Defence | |
|
In office 10 October 2005 – 5 April 2007 | |
| Prime Minister | Andrus Ansip |
| Preceded by | Jaak Jõerüüt |
| Succeeded by | Jaak Aaviksoo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
16 July 1959 Tartu, Estonia |
| Political party | Reform Party |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Tartu |
Jürgen Ligi (born 16 July 1959 in Tartu) is an Estonian politician, a member and the Vice-Chairman of the liberal Reform Party. He has been the Minister of Education and Research in Taavi Rõivas' cabinet since 9 April 2015.[1] Previously Ligi was Estonia's Minister of Defence 2005–2007 and Minister of Finance 2009–2014.
Early life
After graduating from high school in 1977, he entered the University of Tartu, where he studied Geography. From 1982 to 1989 he worked at an institute of economic planning. In 1989 he went back to the University, where he studied International Economics.
Member of Parliament
He is a long-time member of the Estonian parliament Riigikogu (1995–2005 and 2007–2009). For the last two years in the Riigikogu he served as the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Budget Control.
Minister of Defence
From 2005 to 2007 Jürgen Ligi was Minister of Defence.
Minister of Finance
On 3 June 2009 he was nominated Minister of Finance and sworn in a day later. In October 2014, Ligi raised controversy for criticizing the origin of Education Minister Jevgeni Ossinovski.[2] Ligi later apologized for his foul language, but was pressured to resigned from his post.[3]
Personal life
Jürgen Ligi is the son of archeologist Herbert Ligi. Jürgen's mother Reet's father was archeologist Harri Moora. His brother Priit Ligi was also an archeologist; he died on the cruise ferry MS Estonia that sank in 1994. Jürgen's sister Katre is married to poet Hando Runnel. He is also related to poet Juhan Viiding and politician Indrek Tarand. Jürgen Ligi himself is married and has two sons.[4]
References
- ↑ "New Estonian government assumes office". ERR. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
- ↑ "Finance Minister Brings Up Ethnicity in Sparring With Education Minister, Opening Old Wounds". ERR. 23 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- ↑ "Ligi Submits Letter of Resignation". ERR. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- ↑ Pullerits, Priit (2010-10-23). "Jürgen Ligi: siin ei ole mingit ohverdamist!" (in Estonian). Postimees. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
External links
- Curriculum vitae - Government of Estonia
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jaak Jõerüüt |
Minister of Defence 2005–2007 |
Succeeded by Jaak Aaviksoo |
| Preceded by Helir-Valdor Seeder Acting |
Minister of Finance 2009–2014 |
Succeeded by Maris Lauri |
| Preceded by Jevgeni Ossinovski |
Minister of Education and Research 2015–present |
Incumbent |
| Preceded by Keit Pentus-Rosimannus |
Minister of Foreign Affairs Acting 2015 |
Succeeded by Marina Kaljurand |