Halonen, Tarja (1943–)

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Halonen, Tarja (1943–)

Finnish politician and trade union lawyer. Born Tarja Kaarina Halonen, Dec 24, 1943, in Helsinki, Finland; University of Helsinki, Master of Laws degree, 1968; m. longtime companion, Pentti Arajarvi, Aug 2000; children: 1 daughter.

Served as social affairs secretary and general secretary of National Union of Finnish Students (1969–70); served as lawyer for the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions SAK (1970–74); joined the Social Democratic Party (1971); served as parliamentary secretary to the prime minister (1974–75); was a member of Helsinki City Council (1977–96); was a Member of Parliament (1979–2000); was chair of the Parliamentary Social Affairs Committee (1984–87); served as minister at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (1987–90), as minister of Justice (1990–91), as minister for Nordic Cooperation (1989–91), as minister for Foreign Affairs (1995–2000); became Finland's 1st female president (Jan 3, 2000).