Pentti Arajärvi
Dr. Pentti Ilkka Olavi Arajärvi (born 2 June 1948, Helsinki) is a Finnish Doctor of Law, Professor Emeritus and Docent of the University of Helsinki[1][2], a former civil service official and a Social Democratic politician from Helsinki.[3] Arajärvi was awarded the honorary title of valiokuntaneuvos ("Committee Counselor") for his work in parliamentary committees. He is the husband of Tarja Halonen, who was the President of Finland between 2000 and 2012. During that time, he held the unofficial title of First Gentleman of Finland. Arajärvi was elected to the Helsinki City Council in the 2012 municipal elections.
Pentti Arajärvi | |
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First Gentleman of Finland | |
In role 1 March 2000 – 1 March 2012 | |
President | Tarja Halonen |
Preceded by | Eeva Ahtisaari (as First Lady) |
Succeeded by | Jenni Haukio (as First Lady) |
Personal details | |
Born | Helsinki, Finland | 2 June 1948
Political party | Social Democratic Party of Finland |
Spouse(s) | |
Children | 1 |
Alma mater | University of Helsinki |
Occupation | Doctor of Law |
Personal life
On 26 August 2000, after a relationship of more than fifteen years, Arajärvi married his longtime partner, Tarja Halonen, who was at the time the President of Finland, in a civil ceremony at her official residence, Mäntyniemi. Arajärvi has an adult son, Esko, and Halonen have an adult daughter, Anna, both of whom are from previous relationships.
Trivia
He is a non-active member of a Finnish scout troop Helsingin Kotkat.
Honours
National honours
Finland: Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose
Foreign honours
Belgium: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown[4] Estonia: Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana Estonia: Grand Cross of the Order of the White Star Iceland: Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon[5] Latvia: Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the Three Stars Luxembourg: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Adolphe of Nassau[6][7] Sweden: Commander Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Polar Star [8]
References
- https://www.iltalehti.fi/politiikka/a/e27b9682-1c97-43e4-91da-027504a04cd1
- http://www.helsinki.fi/hallinto/kansleri/professorit.html
- https://helsinki.sdp.fi/pentti-arajarvi-sdpn-eduskuntavaaliehdokkaaksi/
- Belga Pictures Archived 2012-04-25 at the Wayback Machine Photo during the gala dinner of the state visit of H.E. Mrs Tarja Halonen, President of Finnish Republic & Docteur Pentti Arajärvi in Belgium (30/03 - 01/04/2004)
- Icelandic Presidency Website (Icelandic), Order of the Falcon, Arajärvi, Pentti
- "Noblesse et Royautés" website Archived 2013-07-10 at the Wayback Machine, article (in French) with photos of gala dinner
- www.gouvernement.lu Archived 2013-05-24 at the Wayback Machine, State visit of President Tarja Halonen in Luxembourg in november 2008 (article in French with photos showing the decorations)
- Photo Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine of presidential and royal couples