The election of Raimonds Vējonis as the ninth president of Latvia on 3 June 2015 marked the first time a member of a green party served as a head of state within the European Union. Securing 55 out of 100 votes in the Saeima, Vējonis transitioned from a career defined by environmental advocacy and defence policy to the nation's highest office.
Early Background and Biology
Born on 15 June 1966 in the Pskov Oblast, Vējonis spent his formative years in Sarkaņi, attending school in Madona. His interest in environmental protection stemmed from witnessing the effects of chemical exposure on his grandfather. He completed his studies at the University of Latvia’s Faculty of Biology in 1989, later obtaining a master's degree in 1995. During this period, he served as a biology teacher and worked within the Madona Regional Environmental board.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Legislative and Ministerial Roles
Vējonis built a long-term administrative career starting with his time on the Madona city council between 1990 and 1993. By 2002, he entered national government as the Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, holding various ministerial portfolios related to the environment through 2011. Before his presidency, he served as the Minister of Defence of Latvia from 2014 to 2015, following multiple stints as a deputy of the Saeima.
Presidency and Health Challenges
His tenure as president focused on national security during a period of geopolitical instability. In January 2016, his presidency faced an interruption due to health complications. Following emergency open-heart surgery to replace a valve damaged by infection, he spent over two months in recovery and physical therapy. He fully returned to his official duties on 30 March 2016.
Post-Presidency Activity
Since leaving the presidency in 2019, Vējonis redirected his professional focus toward the athletics sector. In January 2020, he was elected to a four-year term as the president of the Latvian Basketball Association. He maintains his connection to his roots as a biologist and politician while managing the national sport organization.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 June 1966, Pskov Oblast
- Presidency: 2015–2019
- Party: Latvian Green Party
- Spouse: Iveta Vējone
- Languages: Latvian, Russian, English
- Current Position: President of Latvian Basketball Association
- Education: University of Latvia Faculty of Biology
Questions readers ask
Did Raimonds Vējonis serve in the military?
While he served as the Minister of Defence of Latvia from 2014 to 2015, he is primarily recognized for his career as a biologist and environmental politician.
What medical emergency did he face while president?
In January 2016, he underwent emergency open-heart surgery to replace an infected heart valve after suffering from what medical experts theorized was infective endocarditis.
Achievements
- Minister of Defence of Latvia (2012–2015)
- deputy of Saeima (2014–2014)
- deputy of Saeima (2010–2010)
- deputy of Saeima (2011–2014)
- Order of the Three Stars, 1st Class
- Grand Cross Special Class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 2019
- Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — 2018
- Order of Viesturs
- Educated at University of Latvia Faculty of Biology and University of Latvia
