The Estonian Reform Party selected Taavi Rõivas as their prime ministerial candidate on 12 March 2014, following the unexpected withdrawal of Siim Kallas from coalition negotiations. At the time of his confirmation by the Riigikogu on 24 March, he held the distinction of being the youngest government leader within the European Union.
Early Career and Education
Born in Tallinn in 1979, Rõivas completed his secondary education at the Tallinn Secondary School of Science in 1997. He pursued higher education at the University of Tartu. His professional political involvement began in 1998 upon joining the Reform Party. Between 1999 and 2002, he served as an advisor to the Minister of Justice, Märt Rask, establishing his early involvement in national policy administration.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Ministerial and Prime Ministerial Service
Rõivas served as the Minister of Social Affairs from 2012 to 2014. Upon becoming Prime Minister in March 2014, he presided over two cabinets. His first term followed the resignation of Andrus Ansip. In 2015, after maintaining the Reform Party's position as the largest party in parliamentary elections, he formed a second cabinet in April with the Social Democratic Party and the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union.
Government Dissolution and Parliamentary Role
The tenure of his second cabinet concluded on 9 November 2016, when the Riigikogu passed a no-confidence motion supported by his former coalition partners. Following this loss of support, he stepped down as the leader of the Reform Party in 2017. He held several parliamentary seats throughout his career, including sessions in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2019, before retiring from political life at the end of 2020.
Professional Conduct and Honours
Rõivas served as deputy speaker of the Riigikogu starting in December 2016. He resigned from this position in 2017 following reports of improper conduct by a trade delegation he led to Malaysia. He issued apologies regarding the event. Throughout his public career, his work received official recognition, including the Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd Class, and the Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland.
Fast facts
- Born: 1979, Tallinn
- Prime Minister of Estonia: 2014-2016
- Minister of Social Affairs: 2012-2014
- Education: University of Tartu
- Languages: Estonian, English, Russian, Finnish
- Award: Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd Class
- Political Party: Reform Party
Questions readers ask
When did Taavi Rõivas leave politics?
He announced his retirement from politics and resigned his seat in the Riigikogu at the end of 2020.
What languages does he speak?
He is fluent in Estonian, English, Russian, and Finnish.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Tartu and Tallinn Secondary School of Science
- Worked as politician and economist
