Edgar Savisaar
Edgar Savisaar
Architect of mass mobilization and independence politics
On live television on 13 April 1988, he proposed the idea of a Popular Front.
Edgar Savisaar was an Estonian politician and co-founder of the Popular Front of Estonia, helping turn demands for reform into mass politics. On live television on 13 April 1988, he proposed a Popular Front to support perestroika; the movement soon pressed for democracy and the restoration of Estonian independence. He became the first prime minister of restored Estonia, while economic hardship and later political controversies exposed the limits and tensions of his governing project.
Career timeline
- 1973Graduated from the University of Tartu with a degree in history
- 1980–1988Worked on economic planning in the state institutions of the Estonian SSR
- 1988–1989Academic director at Mainor and co-founder of the Popular Front of Estonia
- 1989–1990Deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers and head of the State Planning Committee of the Estonian SSR
- 1990–1992First prime minister of the Republic of Estonia
- 1992–1995Vice-speaker of the Riigikogu
- 2001–2004Mayor of Tallinn
- 2005–2007Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications
- 2007–2015Mayor of Tallinn