Annika Virpi Irene Saarikko (born 10 November 1983) is a Finnish politician and minister who served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Finland from 2020 to 2023. She served as the leader of the Finnish Centre Party from 2020 to 2024.[1][2]
Early life and education
Saarikko was born in Oripää, Finland. She has a bachelor's degree in educational science and a master's degree in philosophy (majoring in media studies) from the University of Turku.
Political career
On 14 June 2010, Saarikko was elected to the vice chair of the Centre Party.[3] She was elected to the Parliament of Finland in 2011 Finnish parliamentary election.[4]
From 10 July 2017 to 6 June 2019 Saarikko served as the minister of family affairs and social services.[5] On 6 June 2019, she was appointed minister of science and culture. Saarikko took maternity leave on 9 August 2019, and the position was filled by Hanna Kosonen until Saarikko reassumed her post in August 2020.[6] She became Deputy Prime Minister of Finland, traditionally held by the leader of the second largest party in the government coalition, in September 2020. In May 2021 Saarikko became Minister of Finance.[7]
Saarikko led the Centre Party to the 2023 Finnish parliamentary election, in which the party lost 8 seats and finished fourth. Due to the election defeat, Saarikko announced that the party would not seek a place in the government.[8] In February 2024, Saarikko announced that she will not seek another term as leader at the party conference in June 2024.[9]
Personal life
Saarikko has two children and is expecting a third in July 2024.[9]
Other activities
European Union organizations
- European Investment Bank (EIB), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[10]
- European Stability Mechanism (ESM), Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[11]
International organizations
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[12]
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[13]
- Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[14]
- World Bank, Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[15]
References
- ^ "Saarikko beats Kulmuni in Centre Party leadership vote". Yle Uutiset. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Centre Party picks Kaikkonen as new leader, NCP re-elects Orpo". yle. yle.fi. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
- ^ "Mari Kiviniemi chosen as new Centre Party leader and prospective PM". Helsingin Sanomat. 14 June 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
- ^ Annika Saarikko. Edustajamatrikkeli. Kansanedustajat 1907 –. Eduskunta (Parliament of Finland). (in Finnish)
- ^ "Annika Saarikko as Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services in Sipilä's Government". Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö.
- ^ "Hanna Kosonen appointed as Minister of Science and Culture". Valtioneuvosto. Retrieved 9 August 2019..
- ^ "Saarikko kuvaa olevansa uudenlainen valtiovarainministeri – nosti mediatilaisuudessa esiin asian, johon on "kertakaikkiaan turhautunut"". Demokraatti (in Finnish). Retrieved 27 May 2021..
- ^ "Keskusta vetää johtopäätökset tuloksestaan: jättäytyy suosiolla oppositioon" (in Finnish). Yle. 3 April 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2024..
- ^ a b "Saarikko to relinquish Centre Party leadership" (in Finnish). Yle. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024..
- ^ Board of Governors European Investment Bank (EIB).
- ^ Board of Governors: Annika Saarikko European Stability Mechanism.
- ^ Board of Governors Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
- ^ Board of Governors European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
- ^ Board of Governors Nordic Investment Bank (NIB).
- ^ Board of Governors World Bank.
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