Moscow Times - 04.11.2003

 

The Moscow Times

Estonian Premier Takes Reins


(AP)TALLINN, Estonia -- Europe's youngest current prime minister, 36-year-old Juhan Parts, took the reins of government Thursday in Estonia. 

The boyish and brainy leader said on the eve of his Cabinet's swearing-in that his youth -- and that of several of his advisers -- will benefit his goal of taking Estonia to a new level of prosperity. "You have more energy. ... You take a fresher approach," he said. "Older, experienced politicians say, 'No, this or that is impossible."' 

Being young, he said, brings optimism and desire, something he'll need as he prepares to steer the country into the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization next year. There's another advantage, too, he said, cracking a rare grin: "You can remain prime minister for at least the next 20 years." 

His 13 ministers are drawn from a three-party, pro-business coalition. Parts' center-right Res Publica party, the center-right Reform Party and the center-left People's Union control 60 seats in the 101-seat legislature. 

The justice minister, Ken-Marti Vaher, and culture minister, Urmas Paet, are both 28; Economics Minister Meelis Atonen is 36, Foreign Minister Kristiina Ojuland is 37 and Social Affairs Minister Marko Pomerants is 39. The remaining eight Cabinet members are over 40.