Iiro Viinanen

Iiro Viinanen (born 27 September 1944) is a Finnish politician and businessman. He is best known for his tenure as the Minister of Finance of Finland from 1991 to 1996. Viinanen is a member of the National Coalition Party.

Early Life and Education

Viinanen was born in Kuopio, Finland. He pursued his education in economics and graduated with a degree in the field from the University of Helsinki.

Political Career

Viinanen's political career began when he joined the National Coalition Party. He was elected to the Parliament of Finland in 1983, representing the Uusimaa constituency. During his time in parliament, he was known for his strong stance on economic policies and fiscal responsibility.

Minister of Finance

In 1991, Viinanen was appointed as the Minister of Finance in the government led by Prime Minister Esko Aho. His tenure was marked by significant economic challenges, including a severe recession in the early 1990s. Viinanen implemented stringent austerity measures to stabilize the Finnish economy, which were both praised and criticized by various sectors.

Business Career

After leaving politics in 1996, Viinanen transitioned to the business sector. He held various executive positions in prominent Finnish companies, including Pohjola Group and YIT Corporation. His expertise in economics and finance made him a valuable asset in the corporate world.

Personal Life

Viinanen is married and has two children. He is known for his interest in classical music and literature.

Legacy

Viinanen's legacy in Finnish politics is marked by his efforts to navigate the country through one of its most challenging economic periods. His policies and decisions continue to be a subject of study and debate among economists and political scientists.

See Also

• National Coalition Party
• Minister of Finance (Finland)
• Parliament of Finland
• Esko Aho