Alar Karis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alar Karis
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Karis in 2024
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| 6th President of Estonia | |
| Assumed office 11 October 2021 |
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| Prime Minister | Kaja Kallas Kristen Michal |
| Preceded by | Kersti Kaljulaid |
| Director of the Estonian National Museum | |
| In office 9 April 2018 – 7 September 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Tõnis Lukas |
| Succeeded by | Kertu Saks |
| Auditor General of Estonia | |
| In office 7 April 2013 – 7 March 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Mihkel Oviir |
| Succeeded by | Janar Holm |
| Rector of the University of Tartu | |
| In office 3 July 2007 – 30 June 2012 |
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| Preceded by | Tõnu Lehtsaar (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Volli Kalm |
| Rector of the Estonian University of Life Sciences | |
| In office 2003–2007 |
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| Preceded by | Henn Elmet |
| Succeeded by | Mait Klaassen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 26 March 1958 Tartu, Estonia |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse |
Sirje Karis
(m. 1977) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Estonian University of Life Sciences |
Alar Karis was born on March 26, 1958. He is a scientist and politician from Estonia. Since October 11, 2021, he has been the sixth president of Estonia.
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Alar Karis's Early Life and Career
Alar Karis was born in Tartu, Estonia. His father was a botanist, someone who studies plants. His mother was an expert in animal nutrition. He grew up with his mother and grandmother.
Karis studied at the Estonian Agricultural Academy. He graduated in 1981. Later, in 1999, he became a professor at the University of Tartu.
Important Roles Before Becoming President
Alar Karis held several important jobs before becoming president. These roles helped him gain a lot of experience.
- He was the rector (like a president) of the Estonian University of Life Sciences from 2003 to 2007.
- He then became the rector of the University of Tartu from 2007 to 2012.
- From 2013 to 2018, he served as the Auditor General of Estonia. This job involves checking how the government spends money.
- Before becoming president, he was the director of the Estonian National Museum from 2018 to 2021.
Alar Karis as President of Estonia
In August 2021, Alar Karis was asked if he would like to become the next president of Estonia. He agreed to be nominated. Both major political parties supported him.
On August 31, 2021, Karis was elected president. He received a large majority of votes from the Riigikogu, which is Estonia's parliament. He officially started his job as president on October 11, 2021.
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What the President Does
As president, Alar Karis promised to be a "balancer and a mediator." This means he aims to help different groups work together. He also wants to make sure things are fair.
He has visited other countries, like Latvia and Finland, as president. These visits help build good relationships with other nations.
Checking Laws
The president of Estonia has the power to check laws passed by the parliament. If the president thinks a law might not be right or fair, they can refuse to "promulgate" it. To "promulgate" means to officially announce a law so it can take effect.
For example, in December 2023, Karis refused to promulgate a law. He believed the parliament did not follow the correct rules when passing it. The parliament then passed the law again, but Karis still refused and sent it to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agreed with him.
In July 2024, he also did not approve a Vehicle Tax Act. He felt it was unfair to people with disabilities. He approved it later when the parliament changed the law to make it fair. This shows how the president helps ensure laws are just for everyone.
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Alar Karis's Personal Life
Alar Karis has been married to Sirje Karis since 1977. They have three children and five grandchildren.
Besides his native Estonian, Karis also speaks English and Russian. He has mentioned that he needs to practice his Russian sometimes.
Honours and Awards
Alar Karis has received many special awards, called "honours," both from Estonia and other countries. These awards recognize his important work and contributions.
National Honours
As president, he is the Grand Master of several Estonian orders, which are like special awards given for service to the country.
Grand Master and Collar of the Order of the National Coat of Arms
Grand Master of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana
Fourth Class of the Order of the White Star (2007)
Foreign Honours
He has also received honours from other countries, showing international respect for his work.
Finland: Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the White Rose (2024)
Latvia: Commander Grand Cross with Chain of the Order of the Three Stars (2023)
Sweden: Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (2023)
Ukraine: Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise I degree (2024)
See also
In Spanish: Alar Karis para niños
