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Edgar Savisaar (born May 31, 1950 in Harku Commune, Harju County), is an Estonian politician and the leader of the Centre Party. He served as the Prime Minister of Estonia from 1990-1992. He is currently Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications.

Contents 1 Education 2 Career 3 Controversy 4 Personal life 5 References

After graduating from high school, Savisaar continued his studies at the University of Tartu. In 1973, he graduated from the university with a degree in history. In 1980, he wrote his candidate thesis in philosophy on the topic "Social Philosophical Foundations of the Global Models of the Club of Rome".^[1]

From 1980 to 1988, Savisaar worked in governmental institutions dealing with the planning of economy. During 1988-1989, he was academic director for the consultation company "Mainor".

In 1989, he became the Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Estonian SSR and the Head of the State Plan Committee. In 1990, he was the Minister of Economy. On April 3, 1990, he was appointed the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. When Estonia declared its independence on August 20, 1991, he became the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia. His government was in office until January 29, 1992, when he was forced to resign after supplement problems and continuing decline in economy.

From 1992 until 1995, Savisaar was the Vice-Speaker of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). From April 17 - November 6, 1995, he was the Minister for Internal Affairs. When he was accused of recording private conversations of other politicians, the entire government faltered. Although his participation in the recordings was never proved, he announced his intention to leave politics. However, in 1996, he participated in the elections of the Riigikogu and became the Chairman of the Tallinn City Council. His return to the Centre Party leader's post evoked a split, as some leading members disillusioned with Savisaar's leadership style left to found Arengupartei. From 2001 to October 14, 2004, he was mayor of Tallinn. On 11 April 2005, he became Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications in the new coalition of Prime Minister Andrus Ansip.

Edgar Savisaar and Estonia People's Union leader Villu Reiljan supported jointly Arnold Rüütel's candidature for presidency in August-September 2006; Toomas Hendrik Ilves was elected though, a choice criticised and attributed by Savisaar^[2] to alleged hostile media and partisan lawmakers. Savisaar refused to congratulate the winner. ^[3]

Savisaar has published four books. He received the Order of State Coat of Arms in 2001.

Savisaar is one of the most controversial politicians in Estonia. While some people, including many from the Russian-speaking minority, see him as a defender of poor, others accuse him of authoritarianism, nepotism, corruption, destructive intrigues, and having close ties with Russian politicians. The latter accusation has been fuelled by the Centre Party's collaboration treaty with Putin's United Russia party. Savisaar is know for using Machiavellistic polititics and deals to achieve his goals.

Edgar Savisaar has been married three times and is the father of four children.^[1]

1. ^ ^{a b} Edgar Savisaar. biography. web site of The Government of the Republic of Estonia. Retrieved on February 14, 2007.
2. ^ video of Savisaar's reaction to the results: http://www.postimees.ee/240906/esileht/siseuudised/presidendivalimised_2006/219571.php?r
3. ^ http://www.postimees.ee/240906/esileht/siseuudised/presidendivalimised_2006/219571.php?r

Preceded by Otto Tief (shortly in 1944), Soviet Occupation	Chairman of Council of Ministers of Soviet-annexed Estonia / Prime Minister of Estonia 1990 - 1992	Succeeded by Tiit Vähi
Preceded by Kaido Kama	Minister of Internal Affairs 1995	Succeeded by Märt Rask
Preceded by Andrus Ansip	Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications 2005 -	Succeeded by current incumbent
Preceded by Tõnis Palts	Mayor of Tallinn 2001 - 2004	Succeeded by Tõnis Palts

Heads of Government of Estonia
Prime Ministers (1918-1920)
Päts | Strandman | Tõnisson | Birk | Tõnisson | Piip
State Elders (1920-1934) Piip | Päts | Kukk | Päts | Akel | Jaakson | Teemant | Tõnisson | Rei | Strandman | Päts | Teemant | Einbund | Päts | Tõnisson | Päts
Prime Ministers (1934-1940, 1944) Päts | Eenpalu | Uluots | (Vares) | Tief
Prime Ministers in Exile (1944-1992) (Tief) | Sikkar | Kint | Warma | Kint | Mark | Penno
Prime Ministers, Estonian SSR (1940-1990) Lauristin | (Mäe) | (Sepre) | Veimer | Müürisepp | Klauson | Saul | Toome
Prime Ministers, Republic of Estonia (1990-) (Savisaar) | (Vähi) | Laar | Tarand | Vähi | Siimann | Laar | Kallas | Parts | Ansip