Aimo Cajander
Aimo Cajander
Finnish forest scientist and statesman who built forest-type theory and led the cabinet on the eve of war
During the Winter War the poorly equipped reservists, sent out with little beyond civilian clothes, a belt and a rifle, were popularly nicknamed 'Model Cajander'. The label stuck to him as premier, though responsibility for the defence shortfalls was not his alone.
Finnish forest scientist and politician. Born in Uusikaupunki, he took a botany doctorate in 1903 based on Siberian fieldwork, became docent in botany at Helsinki in 1904 and professor of silviculture in 1911. Acting director-general of the Forest Board (Metsähallitus) in 1918 and director-general in 1934, he led state forest administration until his death. He was prime minister three times, in 1922, 1924 and 1937, and chaired the National Progressive Party from 1933. He resigned after the Winter War began and died at the Parliament House on 21 January 1943.
Career timeline
- 1903Doctorate in botany based on Siberian fieldwork
- 1904Docent in botany, University of Helsinki
- 1911–1934Professor of silviculture, University of Helsinki
- 1918–1943Led the Forest Board (Metsähallitus): acting director-general 1918, permanent 1927, director-general 1934
- 1922Prime Minister of Finland, heading independent Finland's first caretaker cabinet
- 1924Prime Minister of Finland, second cabinet
- 1928–1929Minister of Defence
- 1929–Progressive Party MP for the western Vaasa/Viipuri constituency
- 1933–1943Chairman of the National Progressive Party, regarded as leader of its left wing
- 1937–1939Prime Minister of Finland, first Social Democrat–Agrarian coalition (third cabinet), resigned after the Winter War began