Siim Kallas Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Career, Party, Politics

Siim Kallas is a politician and economist. He stands as one of Estonia’s most influential political figures in its modern history.

His popularity began during the late Soviet era when, as a prominent economist, he co-authored the groundbreaking IME plan, which proposed making Estonia economically independent from the Soviet Union.

This bold idea, which advocated for a market economy and a national currency, made him a vocal proponent for change and an active participant in the restoration of Estonian statehood.

Following independence, he cemented his legacy as the President of the Bank of Estonia, where he was a principal architect of the monetary reform that introduced the Estonian kroon, earning him the nickname “father of the kroon.”

Profile

• Full Name: Siim Kallas
• Date of Birth: October 2, 1948
• Age: 77 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of Birth: Tallinn, Estonia
• Nationality: Estonian
• Profession: Politician, Economist
• Parents: Udo Kallas and Rita Kallas
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Kristi Kallas
• Children: Kaja Kallas and Ülo Kallas
• Relationship Status: Married
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: Estonian
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Siim Kallas is now at the age of 77 and was born on October 2, 1948, in Tallinn, in the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.

He grew up in an environment shaped by the post-war Soviet occupation. His parents were Udo and Rita Kallas.

His paternal grandfather was Eduard Alver, the first commander of the Estonian Defence League. Information about his siblings is not publicly available. He pursued his education with a focus on finance and economics.

In 1972, he graduated cum laude from the Finance and Credit Department of the University of Tartu.

He continued his studies as a postgraduate student at the same university until 1975, concentrating on economic theory and practice, which prepared him for a career in both the Soviet financial system and the future independent Estonian government.

Personal Life

Siim Kallas is married to Kristi Kallas, who works as a doctor. They have two children together: a daughter, Kaja Kallas, and a son, Ülo Kallas.

Kaja Kallas has followed in her father’s footsteps and has become a significant political figure in her own right, serving as the Prime Minister of Estonia from 2021 to 2024 and currently as the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Ülo Kallas works in the banking sector.

Career

Siim Kallas began his professional career in 1975 as a specialist in the Finance Ministry of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, a role he held until 1979.

He subsequently became the Director of the Estonian Central Board of Savings Banks.

During the late 1980s perestroika era, he rose to prominence as a key advocate of economic independence, promoting market-oriented reforms.

After Estonia restored its independence in 1991, he was appointed the first President of the Bank of Estonia, overseeing the successful introduction of the national currency, the Estonian kroon.

In 1994, Kallas founded the liberal free-market Estonian Reform Party and served as its chairman.

He later entered government as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1995, followed by service as Minister of Finance, and ultimately as Prime Minister from 2002 to 2003.

In 2004, he transitioned to the European Commission, serving in multiple senior roles including Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud, and finally Commissioner for Transport until 2014.

He later returned to domestic politics as a Member of the Riigikogu from 2019 until his retirement from active politics in September 2024.

Awards

Siim Kallas has received numerous international and national honors in recognition of his public service. These include:

• Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2000)
• Légion d’Honneur of France (2001)
• Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd Class (2003)

Net Worth

Siim Kallas‘ net worth is estimated to be approximately $5 million. His wealth was accumulated through decades of high-level public service in Estonia and the European Union, including roles as central bank president, government minister, prime minister, and a ten-year tenure as a European Commissioner.

Controversy

Siim Kallas was associated with the “ten million scandal,” also known as the $10 million loan case, which emerged in the early 1990s.

In 1993, during his tenure as President of the Bank of Estonia, a $10 million loan issued by the central bank to a private company was never repaid and subsequently disappeared.

Although he was later acquitted in court due to a lack of evidence linking him personally to any wrongdoing, the case remained a recurring point of criticism used by political opponents throughout his career.

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