Siim Kallas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Siim Kallas
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Kallas in 2014
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| European Commissioner for Transport | |
| In office 9 February 2010 – 1 November 2014 |
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| President | José Manuel Barroso |
| Preceded by | Antonio Tajani |
| Succeeded by | Violeta Bulc |
| European Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud | |
| In office 22 November 2004 – 9 February 2010 |
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| President | José Manuel Barroso |
| Preceded by | Neil Kinnock (Administrative Reform) |
| Succeeded by | Maroš Šefčovič (Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration) Algirdas Šemeta (Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud) |
| European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs | |
| In office 1 May 2004 – 22 November 2004 Served with Joaquín Almunia |
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| President | Romano Prodi |
| Preceded by | Pedro Solbes |
| Succeeded by | Joaquín Almunia |
| 14th Prime Minister of Estonia | |
| In office 28 January 2002 – 10 April 2003 |
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| President | Arnold Rüütel |
| Preceded by | Mart Laar |
| Succeeded by | Juhan Parts |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 9 November 1995 – 21 November 1996 |
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| Prime Minister | Tiit Vähi |
| Preceded by | Riivo Sinijärv |
| Succeeded by | Toomas Hendrik Ilves |
| Member of the Riigikogu | |
| In office 3 March 2019 – 7 September 2024 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 October 1948 Tallinn, Estonia |
| Political party | Reform (since 1994) |
| Other political affiliations |
Communist Party of the Soviet Union (until 1991) |
| Spouse | Kristi Kallas |
| Children | 2, including Kaja |
| Relatives | Eduard Alver (grandfather) |
| Alma mater | University of Tartu |
Siim Kallas (born 2 October 1948) is an Estonian politician who has held many important roles. He served as the Prime Minister of Estonia and was also a European Commissioner.
Before Estonia became fully independent again, Siim Kallas worked in the finance ministry of the Estonian SSR. He was also involved in creating a plan called IME. This plan aimed to make Estonia economically independent from the Soviet Union. It suggested Estonia should have its own money and tax system. Kallas also worked as a newspaper editor and was elected to a Soviet Union parliament.
After Estonia regained its independence in 1991, Kallas became the President of the Bank of Estonia. He helped set up the bank's structure. On June 20, 1992, Estonia brought back its own money, the Kroon. This was a big step for the country's independence.
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Political Career in Estonia
Siim Kallas helped start the Estonian Reform Party in 1994. This party did well in the 1995 elections.
Serving as a Minister
Kallas served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1996. This role involves managing Estonia's relationships with other countries. Later, he was the Minister of Finance from 1999 to 2002. As Finance Minister, he was in charge of the country's money and economy.
Becoming Prime Minister
From 2002 to 2003, Siim Kallas served as the Prime Minister. This is the head of the government in Estonia.
Work in the European Union
Siim Kallas also had a significant career in the European Union.
European Commissioner Roles
He was the European Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud from 2004 to 2009. In this role, he helped manage the EU's internal workings and checked how money was spent. He was also a Vice-President during this time.
From 2010 to 2014, he served as the European Commissioner for Transport. This meant he was responsible for transport policies across all EU countries. He was also a Vice-President of the Commission during this period.
Later Political Life
After his time in the European Commission, Kallas returned to Estonian politics.
Presidential Election and Local Government
In 2016, Kallas ran in the Estonian presidential election, but he was not elected. In October 2017, he became the mayor of Viimsi Parish, a local area in Estonia.
Member of Parliament
In 2019, he was elected as a member of the Riigikogu, which is the Estonian parliament. He was re-elected in 2023. Siim Kallas resigned from the Riigikogu and retired from politics in September 2024.
Family Life
Siim Kallas is married to Kristi Kallas, who is a doctor. They have two children, a son and a daughter.
Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister
His daughter, Kaja Kallas, followed in his footsteps and also became a politician. She served as the prime minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024.
Family History
Siim Kallas's grandfather was Eduard Alver. He was one of the people who helped create the Republic of Estonia in 1918. He was also the first chief of the Estonian Police.
Siim Kallas can speak several languages, including Estonian, English, Russian, Finnish, and German.
See also
In Spanish: Siim Kallas para niños
