Edgar Savisaar (born May 31, 1950), is an Estonian politician who served as the Prime Minister of Estonia from 1990-1992. He is currently Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications designate.
He was born in Harjumaa (Harju County). After graduating from high school he continued his studies in the University of Tartu. In 1973, he graduated from the university with a diploma in history. In 1980 he wrote his candidate thesis in philosophy on the topic "Social philosophical foundations of the global models of the Club of Rome".
From 1980 to 1988 he worked in governmental institutions dealing with the planning of economy. 1988-1989 he was academic director for the consultation company "Mainor".
1989 he became the Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Estonian SSR and the Head of the State Plan Committee. In 1990 he was the Minister of Economy. On April 3, 1990 he was appointed the Chairman of the Council of Ministers. When Estonia declared its independence on August 20, 1991, he became the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Estonia. His government was in office till January 29, 1992.
From 1992 to 1995 Edgar Savisaar was a Vice-Speaker of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). April 17 - November 6, 1995 he was the Minister for Internal Affairs. When he was accused in recording private conversations of other politicians, the whole government fell. Although his participation in recording was never proved, he announced to leave politics. However, already in 1996, he participated in the elections of the Riigikogu and became the Chairman of Tallinn City Council. From 2001 to October 14, 2004, he was mayor of Tallinn. On 11 April 2005, he became Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications designate in the new coalition of Prime Minister Andrus Ansip.
Savisaar is one of the most controversial politicians in Estonia. While some people see him as a defender of poor and the liberator of Estonia, others accuse him in authoritarianism, nepotism and having too close ties with Russian politicians.
Edgar Savisaar is married and the father of four children. He has published four books and was rewarded with the Order of State Coat of Arms in 2001.