Mari Kiviniemi

Mari Kiviniemi

Mari Kiviniemi was born on September 27th, 1968

Full Name: Mari Johanna Kiviniemi
Nationality: Finnish
Profession: Politician
Place of Birth: Seinäjoki, Finland
Office: 41st Prime Minister of Finland
Term: 2010-2011
Party: Centre Party
Education: University of Helsinki

The first female Prime Minister of Finland, serving from 2010 to 2011, known for her efforts to address the European sovereign-debt crisis and promote Nordic cooperation.

Written by: Carlos Hernandez Carlos Hernandez

Mari Kiviniemi: A Trailblazing Finnish Politician and OECD Deputy Secretary-General

A Leading Figure in Finnish Politics

Mari Johanna Kiviniemi is a Finnish politician who made history by becoming the second female Prime Minister of Finland, serving from 2010 to 2011. She was the 41st Prime Minister of Finland, and her tenure marked a significant milestone in Finnish political history.

Early Life and Education

Born on September 27, 1968, in Seinäjoki, Finland, Kiviniemi grew up in rural Southern Ostrobothnia, the daughter of a chicken farmer. She spent a year as an exchange student in Germany during her high school years, which sparked her interest in international relations. She pursued higher education at the University of Helsinki, where she earned a master's degree in Social Sciences in 1996.

Rise to Prominence

Kiviniemi's political career began in 1991 when she ran for a seat in the Finnish Parliament, although she didn't win at that time. However, she persisted and won a seat in the 1995 general elections, representing the Southern Ostrobothnia district. She has since been a member of the Finnish Parliament, except for a brief period in 2014.

Leadership Roles

In 2003, Kiviniemi was elected vice-chairman of the Centre Party, a position she held until 2008. She became a special advisor to Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen in 2004 and served as a Cabinet minister twice, first on a temporary basis in 2005 and then on a full-time basis in 2007.

Prime Minister of Finland

On January 22, 2010, Kiviniemi announced her candidacy for the leadership of the Centre Party, following Prime Minister Vanhanen's decision to step down. She won the party's leadership election on June 12, 2010, and subsequently became the Prime Minister of Finland.

Oecd Deputy Secretary-General

In 2014, Kiviniemi took on a new challenge as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a position she still holds today.

Legacy and Impact

Throughout her career, Kiviniemi has been a strong advocate for education, innovation, and sustainable development. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to social justice, equality, and human rights. As Prime Minister, she played a key role in steering Finland through the European sovereign-debt crisis.

Awards and Honors

Kiviniemi has received several awards and honors for her contributions to politics and public service, including the Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland.

Personal Life

In her free time, Kiviniemi enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family. She is married and has two children.

Conclusion

Mari Kiviniemi's remarkable journey from a rural town in Finland to the highest echelons of politics is a testament to her determination, hard work, and dedication to public service. As a trailblazing female politician and OECD Deputy Secretary-General, she continues to inspire future generations of leaders and policymakers around the world.
Timeline
1968
Born in Seinäjoki, Finland
Mari Kiviniemi was born on September 27, 1968, in Seinäjoki, Finland. She is a Finnish politician and the 41st Prime Minister of Finland.
1995
Member of Parliament
Kiviniemi was elected to the Finnish Parliament, where she served until 2011.
2007
Minister of Public Administration
She became the Minister of Public Administration and Local Government, serving until 2010.
2010
Party leader
Kiviniemi became the leader of the Centre Party, the largest party in Finland.
2010
Prime Minister of Finland
She became the first female Prime Minister of Finland, serving until 2011.
Mari Kiviniemi

Mari Kiviniemi Quiz

Mari Kiviniemi is known for her efforts to address which global economic issue?

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FAQ
What is Mari Kiviniemis political background?
Mari Kiviniemi served as the Prime Minister of Finland from 2010 to 2011 and was the first female Prime Minister of Finland.
What is Mari Kiviniemis party affiliation?
Mari Kiviniemi is a member of the Centre Party of Finland and has held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Foreign Trade and Development.
What is Mari Kiviniemis stance on EU integration?
Mari Kiviniemi has been a strong advocate for EU integration and has worked to promote Finnish interests within the EU.
What is Mari Kiviniemis role in international organizations?
Mari Kiviniemi has served as the Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD and has worked to promote economic development and cooperation between nations.
What is Mari Kiviniemis personal life like?
Mari Kiviniemi is married to Juha Louhivuori, and they have two children together. She is known for her strong leadership skills and has been recognized as one of the most influential women in Finland.

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