Össur Skarphéðinsson

Össur Skarphéðinsson (pronounced [ˈœsːʏr ˈskar̥pçɛðɪnsɔn]; born 19 June 1953) is an Icelandic politician who served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from February 2009 to May 2013.

Össur Skarphéðinsson
Minister for Foreign Affairs
In office
1 February 2009 – 23 May 2013
Prime MinisterJóhanna Sigurðardóttir
Preceded byIngibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir
Succeeded byGunnar Bragi Sveinsson
Minister for Industry, Energy and Tourism
In office
24 May 2007 – 10 May 2009
Prime MinisterGeir Haarde
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir
Preceded byJón Sigurðsson (as Minister of Industry and Commerce)
Succeeded byKatrín Júlíusdóttir
Nordic Cooperation
In office
24 May 2007 – 10 June 2008
Prime MinisterGeir Haarde
Minister for the Environment
In office
1993–1995
Prime MinisterDavíð Oddsson
Succeeded byGuðmundur Bjarnason
Member of the Althing
In office
1991–2016
Personal details
Born (1953-06-19) 19 June 1953 (age 71)
Reykjavík, Iceland
Political partySocial Democratic Alliance
SpouseÁrný Erla Sveinbjörnsdóttir
ChildrenTwo daughters (b. 1994, 1998)
Alma materUniversity of Iceland
University of East Anglia
Professionbiologist, journalist

Össur matriculated from the Reykjavík Grammar School in 1973, and gained a BS in biology from the University of Iceland in 1979, and a doctorate from the University of East Anglia in 1983 entitled "The effect of photoperiod on the growth of the rainbow trout".[1] He was a member of the parliament (Althing) for the Reykjavík Constituency from 1991 to 2003, and for Reykjavík North Constituency from 2003 to 2016. He was Chairman of the Social Democratic Party parliamentary group from 1991 to 1993, Minister for the Environment from 1993 to 1995, and Chairman of the Social Democratic Alliance from 2000 to 2005.[1]

Össur was appointed Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism for the Social Democratic Alliance in May 2007. He was also Minister for Nordic Cooperation from 24 May 2007 to 10 June 2008.[1] In February 2009, he was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

References

edit
edit
Political offices
Preceded by Minister for Foreign Affairs
2009-2013
Succeeded by
Preceded byas Minister of Industry and Commerce Minister of Industry,
Energy and Tourism

2007–2009
Succeeded by
Preceded by Minister for Nordic Cooperation
2007–2008
Succeeded by
Preceded by
 
Minister for the Environment
1993–1995
Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Chairman of the Social Democratic Party
1991–1993
Succeeded by
Preceded byas spokesperson Chairman of the Social Democratic Alliance
2000–2005
Succeeded by