Tarja Halonen

Tarja Kaarina Halonen (born December 24, 1943) is a Finnish lawyer and politician. She has been the President of Finland since February 6, 2000.

Presidency

The new constitution adopted just before Halonen became president restricted her authority. But it soon became clear that she would still take an active role in governing the country. This was evident in e.g. the nomination of her own candidates to the board of directors of the Bank of Finland instead of politically chosen candidates.

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On August 26, 2000, President Halonen married her longtime partner, Dr Pentti Arajärvi, in a civil ceremony at her official residence, Mäntyniemi, after a relationship of more than fifteen years. Halonen's adult daughter Anna, and Arajarvi's adult son, Esko, acted as witnesses. Both children were from previous relationships. While in Finland her relationship was not an issue, the marriage clarified the position of Dr. Arajärvi abroad.

Related Topics:
August 26 - 2000 - Pentti Arajärvi - Mäntyniemi - Finland

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Despite her narrow election victory, Halonen has become one of the most popular Presidents that Finland has ever had, with approval ratings between 94% and 97%. She is widely regarded as an easily approachable and down-to-earth person. Halonen has often been compared to "Moominmamma", a mother-figure from a cartoon created by Tove Jansson. Many people, not least those to the right of the Social Democrats, appreciate that she has made a career from modest circumstances due to her own competence, which has great value for meritocracy-minded Finns. Halonen was nominated as one of the top ten members of the "Suuret Suomalaiset" (greatest Finns) TV special in 2004, the only living person to be included.

Related Topics:
Moominmamma - Tove Jansson - Meritocracy - Suuret Suomalaiset - 2004

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Her lifestyle has caused some consternation, but her independent attitude has also brought her admiration. In the 1960s, she quit the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, to which the majority of Finns belong, to protest against its policy of taxing church members, and its stance against female priests.

Related Topics:
1960s - Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland

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Tarja Halonen's daughter, Anna Halonen, is studying international politics at the University of Kent in Canterbury, Great Britain. President Halonen's interests include art history, the theatre and swimming. She also enjoys drawing and painting. She speaks Finnish, Swedish, English, German and French.

Related Topics:
University of Kent - Canterbury - Great Britain - Finnish - Swedish - English - German - French

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Ms. Halonen announced her candidacy for a second term as President in May 2005. Before the start of actual presidential campaigning, Halonen continued to enjoy high public support in polls.

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