Kristen Michal

Kristen Michal (born 12 July 1975) is an Estonian politician. A member of the Estonian Reform Party, he was the minister of economic affairs and infrastructure in Taavi Rõivas' cabinet between 9 April 2015 and 22 November 2016. Previously, Michal served as the minister of justice from 2011 to 2012. Michal was sworn in as Minister of Climate in the third cabinet of Kaja Kallas on 17 April 2023. Early life and education Michal was born in Tallinn on 2 July 1975. He studied law at Academy Nord and graduated in 2009. He has been pursuing master's study in law at Tallinn University's Law School since 2009. Political career Michal worked as an advisor at different levels for the Reform Party from 1996 to 2002. He became an advisor to then prime minister Siim Kallas in 2002. Michal served as the Elder of the Tallinn City Centre for one year (2002–2003). In 2003, he was named as the secretary general of the Reform Party and held this post until 2011. Michal has been a member of the Riigikogu from 2005 to 2011 and from 2012 to 2015. He was appointed Minister of Justice on 6 April 2011, replacing another Reform Party member Rein Lang. Michal's term ended on 10 December 2012, when he resigned from office. He was replaced by Hanno Pevkur as the minister of justice. From 9 April 2015 to 23 November 2016 he served as the minister of economic affairs and infrastructure.