Margus Tsahkna
Eesti 200 party
In undertaking to perform the duties of a member of the Government of the Republic, I am aware that I shall bear responsibility in this office before the Republic of Estonia and my conscience. I solemnly swear to remain faithful to the constitutional order of the Republic of Estonia and to devote my strength to securing the welfare and future of the people of Estonia.
23 July 2024, Tallinn
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia from 23 July 2024
Margus Tsahkna was born in Tartu on 13 April 1977. He is married and the father of a daughter and three sons. Tsahkna joined the Eesti 200 political party in 2018 and is a member of the board of the party. Prior to that, he was a member of the political parties Pro Patria Union and Pro Patria and Res Publica Union.
Career
- In 2023-2024, hea was the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- In 2017–2019, he was a member of the 13th Riigikogu.
- In 2016–2017, he was the Minister of Defence.
- In 2015–2016, he was the Minister of Social Protection.
- In 2007–2015, he was a member of the 11th and 12th Riigikogu.
- In 2007–2010, he was Secretary General of the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union.
- In 2004–2007, he was a member of the Tartu City Council.
- In 2003–2006, he was an advisor to the Riigikogu faction of the Pro Patria Union.
- In 2002–2003, he was an advisor to the faction of the Pro Patria Union in Tartu City Council.
Education
Studied at the School of Theology and Religious Studies , also at the School of Law of the University of Tartu in 1996–2002 and at the University of Toronto in 1999–2000, specialising in international law. Speaks Estonian, English, and Russian.
About the job of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is responsible for its area of governance, with the exception of foreign trade.
The minister is appointed and released from office by the President of the Republic on the proposal of the prime minister. The minister will assume office by taking an oath of office before the Riigikogu.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs coordinates the areas related to the foreign relations of Estonia and represents the state in foreign relations.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs chairs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and decides on matters falling within the ministry’s area of governance. In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reports to the Government of the Republic on the activities of the ministry and, if necessary, submits proposals for decisions on matters concerning the ministry.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs appoints Estonian chargés d'affaires and heads of consular agencies and submits to the government applications for the appointment and recall of ambassadors and for the conferral or withdrawal of diplomatic ranks.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, in agreement with the Minister of Justice, submits nominations for judges of international courts to the government for approval.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs submits proposals to the government on the budget of the ministry and, if necessary, on the supplementary budget. The minister also decides on the use of budgetary resources and monitors the implementation of the budget.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The duty of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to safeguard the security and well-being of Estonia and protect its interests in the world by planning and implementing foreign policy and coordinating foreign relations.
Read moreOrganisation of work of the Government of the Republic
The government implements the state’s domestic and foreign policy. The government makes decisions on a collegial basis on behalf of the executive. The competence of ministers in managing ministries and the areas of responsibility of ministers are determined with an order of the prime minister.
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