Minister of Defence (Estonia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minister of Defence of Estonia |
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Standard of the Minister of Defence
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| Ministry of Defence | |
| Appointer | Kaja Kallas |
The Minister of Defence (in Estonian, Kaitseminister) is a very important person in the Estonian Government. This minister leads the Ministry of Defence. Their main job is to make sure Estonia is safe and sound. They work on plans for national defence and oversee the military forces. The Prime Minister chooses who will be the Minister of Defence as part of the government team.
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What the Minister of Defence Does
The Minister of Defence is like the chief protector of Estonia. They are in charge of everything related to keeping the country safe. This includes leading the military, making sure soldiers have what they need, and planning how Estonia will defend itself. They work with other countries too, to build strong friendships and keep peace. It's a big job that helps protect everyone living in Estonia.
How the Minister is Chosen
The Minister of Defence is not elected by the public directly. Instead, the Prime Minister picks them. The Prime Minister forms a team of ministers, and the Minister of Defence is a key part of that team. This person needs to be approved by the government.
A Look at the History of the Role
The job of Minister of Defence has been around for a long time in Estonia. When it first started in 1918, it had a different name.
From War to Defence: Name Changes
When the position was first created in 1918, it was called the Minister of War (Sõjaminister). This name was used during a time when Estonia was fighting for its independence. On April 1, 1929, the name changed to Minister of Defence. This new name showed a focus on protecting the country. However, in 1937, the name changed back to Minister of War. Even with these name changes, the main tasks of the minister stayed pretty much the same. They always focused on keeping Estonia safe.
Modern Role: Since 1991
After Estonia became independent again in 1991, the position has been known as the Minister of Defence. This name has been used ever since. It highlights that the role is about defending the country, not just about fighting wars.
Ministers of Defence: Recent Years
Here is a list of the people who have served as the Minister of Defence since Estonia regained its independence in 1991.
| Name | Took office | Left office | Political Party |
| Ülo Uluots | June 18, 1992 | October 21, 1992 | Popular Front of Estonia |
| Hain Rebas | October 21, 1992 | August 5, 1993 | Estonian National Independence Party |
| Jüri Luik | August 23, 1993 | November 8, 1994 | Pro Patria National Coalition Party |
| Indrek Kannik | January 7, 1994 | May 23, 1994 | Pro Patria National Coalition Party |
| Enn Tupp | June 28, 1994 | April 17, 1995 | Pro Patria National Coalition Party |
| Andrus Öövel | April 17, 1995 | March 25, 1999 | Estonian Coalition Party |
| Jüri Luik (2nd time) | March 25, 1999 | January 28, 2002 | Pro Patria Union |
| Sven Mikser | January 28, 2002 | April 10, 2003 | Estonian Centre Party |
| Margus Hanson | April 10, 2003 | November 22, 2004 | Estonian Reform Party |
| Jaak Jõerüüt | November 22, 2004 | October 8, 2005 | Estonian Reform Party |
| Jürgen Ligi | October 10, 2005 | April 5, 2007 | Estonian Reform Party |
| Jaak Aaviksoo | April 5, 2007 | April 6, 2011 | Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica |
| Mart Laar | April 6, 2011 | May 11, 2012 | Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica |
| Urmas Reinsalu | May 14, 2012 | March 26, 2014 | Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica |
| Sven Mikser (2nd time) | March 26, 2014 | September 14, 2015 | Social Democratic Party |
| Hannes Hanso | September 14, 2015 | November 23, 2016 | Social Democratic Party |
| Margus Tsahkna | November 23, 2016 | June 12, 2017 | Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica |
| Jüri Luik (3rd time) | June 12, 2017 | January 26, 2021 | Union of Pro Patria and Res Publica |
| Kalle Laanet | January 26, 2021 | July 18, 2022 | Estonian Reform Party |
| Hanno Pevkur | July 18, 2022 | Incumbent | Estonian Reform Party |
