Kristen Michal

About

Kristen Michal (Estonian: [ˈkristen ˈmihːɑl]; born 12 July 1975) is the prime minister of Estonia, having taken office on 23 July 2024. He previously served as minister of justice from 2011 to 2012, minister of economic affairs and infrastructure from 2015 to 2016, and minister of climate from 2023 to 2024.

== Early life and education ==
Michal was born in Tallinn on 12 July 1975. He studied law at University Nord in Tallinn and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2009. He has been pursuing a master’s degree in law at Tallinn University since 2009.

== Political career ==
As member of the Estonian Reform Party, Michal worked in 1996–2002 as an advisor to the party at different levels. In 2002, he became an advisor to then prime minister Siim Kallas. Michal served as the elder of the administrative district of Kesklinn, Tallinn in 2002–2003. In 2003, he was appointed secretary general of the Reform Party and held this position until 2011. Michal was elected member of parliament (Riigikogu) in 2005–2011 and 2012–2015.
He was appointed Minister of Justice on 6 April 2011, replacing another Reform Party member Rein Lang.
In May 2012, Michal was at the centre of accusations by Silver Meikar…