Andres Tarand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andres Tarand
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Tarand in 2012
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| 10th Prime Minister of Estonia | |
| In office 8 November 1994 – 17 April 1995 |
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| President | Lennart Meri |
| Preceded by | Mart Laar |
| Succeeded by | Tiit Vähi |
| Minister of the Environment | |
| In office 1992–1994 |
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| Prime Minister | Mart Laar |
| Preceded by | Tõnis Kaasik |
| Succeeded by | Vootele Hansen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 January 1940 Tallinn, Estonia |
| Political party | Social Democratic Party |
Andres Tarand (born 11 January 1940) is an Estonian expert in geography and climate. He is also a well-known politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Estonia from 1994 to 1995. Later, he was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2004 to 2009. He represented the Social Democratic Party.
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Early Life and Education
Andres Tarand was born in Tallinn, Estonia. His father, Helmut Tarand, was a poet and a thinker. Andres studied at the University of Tartu. He earned his first degree in climatology in 1963. Climatology is the study of Earth's climate.
He continued his studies at Tartu. In 1973, he received a second degree in geography. After his studies, he worked as a researcher at the university. He became the director of research there from 1979 to 1981.
Standing Up for Estonia
In October 1980, Andres Tarand was one of forty important Estonian thinkers. They signed a public letter called the Letter of 40 Intellectuals. This letter spoke up for the Estonian language. It also protested against policies that tried to make Estonia more like Russia.
The letter also showed concern for young people's protests in Tallinn. These protests started because a punk rock band was not allowed to perform.
Career in Public Service
Besides his research work, Andres Tarand held other important roles. He was a board member for the University of Tartu starting in 1996. He also directed the Tallinn Botanical Gardens from 1988 to 1990.
Serving in Parliament
Tarand was a member of the Estonian Parliament from 1992 to 2004. During this time, he served as the Minister of the Environment twice. His first term was from 1992 to 1994, and his second was from 1994 to 1995.
Prime Minister of Estonia
Andres Tarand became the Prime Minister of Estonia in 1994. He led the country until 1995. This was a very important role in Estonia's government.
European Parliament Member
In June 2004, he was elected to the European Parliament. He worked there until 2009. As an MEP, he helped make decisions for the whole of Europe.
Environmental Work
Andres Tarand has always cared about the environment. He has worked on environmental issues and sustainable development. This means finding ways to use resources without harming the future. He worked on these issues in Estonia and other Baltic and Nordic countries.
He has been involved with many groups that protect nature. These include the Estonian Geographical Association and the Estonian Institute for Sustainable Development. He also worked with the Stockholm Environment Institute and the Estonian Nature Fund. He even published a book called Tornadoes in Estonia.
Family Life
Andres Tarand is married to Mari Tarand, who was a journalist. They have two sons. Their older son, Indrek Tarand, was born in 1964. He is also a politician, historian, and journalist. Indrek also became a member of the European Parliament in 2009.
Their younger son, Kaarel Tarand, born in 1966, is a well-known journalist. Andres Tarand's first cousin is Priit Aimla, who is a writer and politician.
