Lena Hjelm-Wallén facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lena Hjelm-Wallén
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| Acting Minister for Defence | |
| In office 30 September 2002 – 21 October 2002 |
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| Prime Minister | Göran Persson |
| Preceded by | Björn von Sydow |
| Succeeded by | Pär Nuder (Acting) |
| Acting Minister for Justice | |
| In office 21 September 2000 – 11 October 2000 |
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| Prime Minister | Göran Persson |
| Preceded by | Laila Freivalds |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Bodström |
| Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden | |
| In office 10 November 1995 – 21 October 2002 |
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| Prime Minister | Ingvar Carlsson Göran Persson |
| Preceded by | Mona Sahlin |
| Succeeded by | Margareta Winberg |
| In office 16 February 1990 – 27 February 1990 Acting |
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| Prime Minister | Ingvar Carlsson |
| Preceded by | Kjell-Olof Feldt (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Odd Engström |
| Minister for Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 7 October 1994 – 7 October 1998 |
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| Prime Minister | Ingvar Carlsson Göran Persson |
| Preceded by | Margaretha af Ugglas |
| Succeeded by | Anna Lindh |
| Minister for International Development Cooperation | |
| In office 17 October 1985 – 4 October 1991 |
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| Prime Minister | Olof Palme Ingvar Carlsson |
| Preceded by | Ola Ullsten |
| Succeeded by | Alf Svensson |
| Minister for Education | |
| In office 8 October 1982 – 17 October 1985 |
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| Prime Minister | Olof Palme |
| Preceded by | Jan-Erik Wikström |
| Succeeded by | Lennart Bodström |
| Minister for Schools | |
| In office 4 January 1974 – 8 October 1976 |
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| Prime Minister | Olof Palme |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Britt Mogård |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 January 1943 Sala, Sweden |
| Political party | Social Democratic |
| Spouse | Ingvar Wallén |
| Alma mater | Uppsala University |
| Signature |  |
Lena Birgitta Hjelm-Wallén, born on January 14, 1943, is a well-known Swedish politician. She started her political career early, becoming a member of the Swedish Parliament, called the Riksdag, in 1968. She was very young when she first became a government minister in 1974.
As a member of the Social Democratic party, she held many important roles. These included serving as the Minister for Education from 1982 to 1985. Later, she was the Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 1998. She also served as Deputy Prime Minister from 1995 to 2002.
Lena Hjelm-Wallén also led the board of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). This is an international group that helps countries around the world become more democratic.
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Early Life and Political Start
Lena Hjelm-Wallén was born in Sala, Sweden. She studied at Uppsala University, which is one of Sweden's oldest universities. Her education helped prepare her for a career in public service.
In 1968, at the age of 25, she became a member of the Riksdag, Sweden's parliament. This was the beginning of her long and impactful political journey.
Key Government Roles
Lena Hjelm-Wallén held several important positions in the Swedish government. She was known for being the youngest minister when she first joined the cabinet in 1974.
Minister for Schools
From 1974 to 1976, Lena Hjelm-Wallén served as the Minister for Schools. In this role, she was responsible for education policies related to schools in Sweden. This was a new position when she took it on.
Minister for Education
Later, from 1982 to 1985, she became the Minister for Education. This role involved overseeing the broader education system in the country.
Minister for International Development Cooperation
From 1985 to 1991, she worked as the Minister for International Development Cooperation. In this job, she helped manage Sweden's efforts to support development in other countries.
Minister for Foreign Affairs
One of her most significant roles was serving as the Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 1998. As the foreign minister, she represented Sweden in international discussions and helped shape the country's relationships with other nations.
Deputy Prime Minister
From 1995 to 2002, Lena Hjelm-Wallén held the position of Deputy Prime Minister. This made her one of the most senior members of the government, working closely with the Prime Minister. She sometimes stepped in to lead when the Prime Minister was unavailable.
Contributions to Democracy
Beyond her roles in the Swedish government, Lena Hjelm-Wallén also contributed to global democracy. She was the chair of the governing board for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). This organization works to support and strengthen democratic systems around the world.
Her work with IDEA shows her dedication to making sure people have a say in their governments. It also highlights her belief in fair elections and strong democratic values.
