Paavo Lipponen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paavo Lipponen
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Lipponen in 2023
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| 38th Prime Minister of Finland | |
| In office 13 April 1995 – 17 April 2003 |
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| President | Martti Ahtisaari Tarja Halonen |
| Deputy | Sauli Niinistö Ville Itälä |
| Preceded by | Esko Aho |
| Succeeded by | Anneli Jäätteenmäki |
| Speaker of the Finnish Parliament | |
| In office 22 April 2003 – 20 March 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Liisa Jaakonsaari (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Timo Kalli |
| In office 28 March 1995 – 19 April 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Riitta Uosukainen |
| Succeeded by | Riitta Uosukainen |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Paavo Tapio Lipponen
23 April 1941 Turtola, Finland |
| Political party | Social Democratic |
| Spouse | Päivi Lipponen (née Hiltunen) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Dartmouth College University of Helsinki |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Finland |
| Branch/service |  Finnish Army |
| Rank | Staff sergeant |
Paavo Tapio Lipponen (born 23 April 1941) is a Finnish politician. He used to be a reporter. He served as the prime minister of Finland from 1995 to 2003. He was also the leader of the Social Democratic Party of Finland from 1993 to 2005. Later, he became the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland from 2003 to 2007. In 2012, he ran for president but did not win. Paavo Lipponen is currently the oldest living former prime minister of Finland.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Paavo Lipponen was born in Turtola, Finland. This town was later renamed Pello. His parents were Orvo Lipponen and Hilkka Iisalo. Paavo spent his childhood in Kuopio.
He finished high school at the Lyceum of Kuopio in 1959. After that, he went to Dartmouth College in the United States for one year. He studied philosophy and literature there.
Later, he moved to Helsinki, Finland. In 1971, he earned a master's degree from the University of Helsinki. He studied international relations. Before becoming a politician, he worked as an editor for a student newspaper. He was also a freelance reporter for the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE).
Becoming a Political Leader
Lipponen started working for the Social Democratic Party in 1967. He held different jobs within the party until 1979. His political views changed over time.
He first became well-known in politics when he worked for Prime Minister Mauno Koivisto. This was from 1979 to 1982. Because he often filled in for the busy prime minister, people called him vara-Manu. This means "deputy Manu," as Manu was a nickname for Mauno.
Lipponen was a member of the Parliament of Finland for many years. He served from 1983 to 1987. Then he returned to parliament in 1991 and stayed until he retired in 2007.
In 1993, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, Ulf Sundqvist, faced some issues. Paavo Lipponen was then chosen as the new chairman.
Prime Minister of Finland
As party leader, Lipponen led his party to win the 1995 parliamentary election. He then formed a government with five different parties. This group included both right-wing and left-wing parties.
His government's main goal was to reduce unemployment. They also focused on strict financial rules. This helped Finland join the European Monetary Union. Because of this, the euro currency was introduced in Finland in 1999. During his first term, foreign trade grew faster than the European average. Also, new laws for a new constitution were passed. This new constitution became active on March 1, 2000.
In 1999, Lipponen's party lost some seats in the election. However, the Social Democratic Party remained the largest party in parliament. So, the same group of parties formed a new government. During his second term as prime minister, Finland held the EU presidency for six months. Lipponen supported closer cooperation and expansion within the European Union. He also suggested the idea of a European constitution in 2000.
In the 2003 election, Lipponen's party won again. But the Center Party gained more seats. This meant that the Social Democratic Party and the National Coalition Party no longer formed the government together. Anneli Jäätteenmäki, the leader of the Center Party, formed a new government. Lipponen then became the Speaker of Parliament. He stepped down as party chairman in 2005. He left parliament in 2007.
There was a political disagreement when Anneli Jäätteenmäki became prime minister. She had suggested that Paavo Lipponen had supported the United States in the Iraq War. Lipponen denied this, saying Finland supported the United Nations. Jäätteenmäki resigned after 63 days. This event was a big political discussion in Finland.
After the Prime Minister Role
After leaving parliament, Paavo Lipponen took on a new role. He became a consultant for Nord Stream 1. This is a project for a Russian gas pipeline. He advised them on environmental and permit issues in Finland. This new role led to some public discussion. As a result, he stepped down from some of his other duties in Finland.
In 2008, Lipponen wrote an article about Russia's actions in Georgia. He also warned Europe about relying too much on Russian gas. He also spoke about the importance of nuclear power for energy security.
In 2012, Lipponen ran for president of Finland. He did not win, receiving 6.7% of the votes.
Lipponen has been offered the highest honor in Finland, called Counselor of State. However, he has politely declined it. He said he is happy to be known as "former prime minister."
Personal Life
When he was younger, Paavo Lipponen was a talented water polo player. He played at the highest level in Finland.
He is married to his second wife, Päivi Lipponen. He has three children.
Cabinets
- Lipponen I Cabinet (1995–1999)
- Lipponen II Cabinet (1999–2003)
