“It is important for the justice sector that the minister of justice has a legal education or a background in law. Madis Timpson has this as well as leadership experience, which will certainly be an asset in the minister’s position,” the prime minister said.
Timpson studied law at the University of Tartu and graduated with a master’s degree in law in 2001. In the public sector, Timpson has worked as an advisor to both the minister of the interior and the minister of regional affairs, helping to develop the administrative reform, among other things. He also worked as an advisor to the minister of justice for 7 years, contributing to the drafting of the Civil Service Act. In the local elections of 2017 and 2021, Timpson was elected mayor of Viljandi, a job he has held until today. Timpson also has work experience in the private sector.
Kalle Laanet, the current minister of justice, announced his resignation on 16 March. According to the Government of the Republic Act, the prime minister has one month to communicate a minister’s letter of resignation to the President. This time is for finding a new minister. The minister is appointed by the President of the Republic within three days of receiving a proposal from the prime minister. The new minister will assume office by taking an oath of office before the Riigikogu.
