Lenita Anneli Toivakka (born 28 September 1961 in Helsinki) is a Finnish politician and a member of National Coalition Party.

Lenita Toivakka
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development
In office
29 May 2015 – 22 June 2016
Prime MinisterJuha Sipilä
Preceded bySirpa Paatero
Succeeded byKai Mykkänen
Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade
In office
24 June 2014 – 28 May 2015
Prime MinisterAlexander Stubb
Preceded byAlexander Stubb
Succeeded byTimo Soini
Personal details
Born (1961-09-28) 28 September 1961 (age 63)
Helsinki, Finland
Political partyNational Coalition Party
SpouseJukka Toivakka

Political career

edit

Toivakka is the former Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development serving in both in Alexander Stubb's cabinet and Juha Sipilä's cabinet.[1] During her time in office, Finland’s government decided to slash development assistance by 43 percent in 2015.[2][3] She also served as member of the World Bank Group’s (WBG) Advisory Council on Gender and Development.[4]

On 21 June 2016, Toivakka announced that she would resign due to the tax shelter methods used by her family company and the resulting negative publicity to the party.[5] She was followed by Kai Mykkänen.[6]

Other activities

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "Räty, Orpo and Toivakka take over ministerial portfolios". Helsinki Times. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  2. ^ Manola De Vos (June 19, 2015), A first glimpse into Finland's aid cuts Devex.
  3. ^ Georgi Gotev (June 11, 2015), Finland slashes development aid by 43% amid fears others may follow The Guardian.
  4. ^ World Bank Advisory Council on Gender and Development: 2015-2017 Members World Bank Group.
  5. ^ "Lenita Toivakka jättää ministerin tehtävät – "Ympärilläni käyty keskustelu ei ole ollut puolueelle hyväksi"". Helsingin Sanomat. 21 June 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
  6. ^ "Kokoomuksen ministerivaihdoksille sinetti – presidentti vahvisti nimitykset". Yle. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  7. ^ Board Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA).
Political offices
Preceded by Minister for European Affairs and Foreign Trade
2014–2015
Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development
2015–2016
Succeeded by