Jürgen Ligi

Jürgen Ligi (born 16 July 1959) is an Estonian politician, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a member and the vice-chairman of the liberal Reform Party. He was Minister of Education and Research in Taavi Rõivas' cabinet from 9 April 2015 to 12 September 2016.[1] Previously, Ligi has served as the Minister of Defence from 2005 to 2007 and as the Minister of Finance from 2009 to 2014.

Jürgen Ligi
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
12 September 2016 – 23 November 2016
Prime MinisterTaavi Rõivas
Preceded byMarina Kaljurand
Succeeded bySven Mikser
Minister of Education and Research
In office
9 April 2015 – 12 September 2016
Prime MinisterTaavi Rõivas
Preceded byJevgeni Ossinovski
Succeeded byMaris Lauri
Minister of Finance
In office
3 June 2009 – 3 November 2014
Prime MinisterAndrus Ansip
Taavi Rõivas
Preceded byIvari Padar
Succeeded byMaris Lauri
Minister of Defence
In office
10 October 2005 – 5 April 2007
Prime MinisterAndrus Ansip
Preceded byJaak Jõerüüt
Succeeded byJaak Aaviksoo
Personal details
Born (1959-07-16) 16 July 1959
Tartu, Estonia
Political partyReform Party
Children2
Alma materUniversity of Tartu

Early life

After graduating from Tartu Second Gymnasium in 1977, he studied geography and foreign economics at the University of Tartu. He also graduated from the Estonian Business School. Ligi has been the Head of Kuressaare Branch of the EVEA Pank, the Economic Advisor and Business Consultant to Kaarma Parish Rural Municipality Government, the Head of the Kuressaare Regional Office of the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chief Specialist of Saaremaa Agro-industrial Association, and the Economist of the Planning Institute of the National Planning Committee.

Political career

Member of Parliament

Ligi was member of the Riigikogu from 1995 to 2005, from 2007 to 2009 and from 2014 to 2015.

Minister of Defence

From 2005 to 2007, Jürgen Ligi was the 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 by bringing up the ethnicity of the Minister of Education and Research Jevgeni Ossinovski.[2] Ligi later apologized, but was pressured to resign from his post.[3]

Minister of Education and Research

On 9 April 2015, Ligi became the Minister of Education and Research in Taavi Rõivas' second cabinet.

Minister of Foreign Affairs

On 12 September 2016, Ligi was nominated Minister of Foreign Affairs, after the former Minister Marina Kaljurand had decided to step down and run for president.[4]

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.[5]

References
  1. "New Estonian government assumes office". ERR. 9 April 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  2. "Finance Minister Brings Up Ethnicity in Sparring With Education Minister, Opening Old Wounds". ERR. 23 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  3. "Ligi Submits Letter of Resignation". ERR. 26 October 2014. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  4. "Jürgen Ligi to be appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs". ERR. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  5. Pullerits, Priit (2010-10-23). "Jürgen Ligi: siin ei ole mingit ohverdamist!" (in Estonian). Postimees. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
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