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Heidi Anneli HautalaFinnish politician
Date of Birth: 14.11.1955
Country:  Finland |
Content:
- Childhood and Education
- Culinary and Journalism Career
- Political Engagement
- European Parliament Member
- Minister of Development Cooperation
- Criticism of Russia
- Personal Life
Childhood and Education
Born on November 14, 1955, in the northwestern Finnish city of Oulu, Heidi Hautala holds a Master of Science degree in Agriculture and Forestry from the University of Helsinki.
Culinary and Journalism Career
In 1974, Hautala established Kasvis, a vegetarian restaurant. From 1980 to 1985, she taught vegetarian cooking courses. Concurrently, she worked as a correspondent for the magazines Uuden Ajan Aura (1976-1982) and Suomi (1982-1985).
Political Engagement
Green Party Leadership and Presidential CampaignsHautala's political journey began in 1987 with the Green Party of Finland. She served as its chairperson from 1991 to 1995 and again from 2003 to 2009. Hautala ran for President of Finland in 2000 and 2006, finishing fifth and fourth, respectively.
European Parliament Member
Elected to the European Parliament in 1996, Hautala served until 2003. In 1999, she secured the highest number of votes among all Finnish candidates, earning her the position of Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights. She returned to the European Parliament from 2009 to 2011.
Minister of Development Cooperation
From 2011 to 2013, Hautala held the post of Minister of Development Cooperation in the cabinet of Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen. Her responsibilities included state ownership management. However, she resigned in 2013 following allegations of unlawful pressure exerted on a state-owned company.
Criticism of Russia
Hautala has been an outspoken critic of Russian leadership and policies. She founded the Finnish-Russian Civil Forum in 2007 and actively supported Russian dissidents, including Mikhail Khodorkovsky. She condemned the Russian government's response to protests, such as the "Strategy-31" demonstrations, and criticized the authorities' inaction in preserving Uralic languages and indigenous peoples. Despite her criticism, some have accused her of allowing terrorist websites to operate from Finland.
Personal Life
Heidi Hautala is in an unmarried partnership with Andrey Nekrasov, a British citizen. She has one son, Jasper, born in 1981.
