Date of Birth: December 14, 1966
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Biography
Helle Thorning-Schmidt is a prominent Danish politician who served as the Prime Minister of Denmark from 2011 to 2015. She was the first woman to hold this office in Danish history. Born into a family with a strong academic background, Thorning-Schmidt grew up with a keen interest in politics and international relations. She pursued her education at the University of Copenhagen, where she earned a degree in political science, and later obtained a Master’s degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. Her political career began in earnest when she was elected to the European Parliament in 1999. She served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) until 2004, focusing on issues such as employment and social affairs. In 2005, she became the leader of the Social Democrats, the main opposition party in Denmark at the time. Under her leadership, the party gained significant support, culminating in her historic election as Prime Minister in 2011. During her tenure, Thorning-Schmidt’s government implemented various reforms, including changes to the tax system, social welfare, and education. Despite facing criticism and political challenges, she remained a key figure in Danish politics. After her term as Prime Minister ended in 2015, she continued to be active in international affairs, serving as the CEO of Save the Children International from 2016 to 2019.
5 Interesting Facts about Helle Thorning-Schmidt
1. Helle Thorning-Schmidt was the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Denmark.
2. She is married to Stephen Kinnock, a British Labour Party politician and the son of former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.
3. Thorning-Schmidt is an alumna of the prestigious College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.
4. During her time as Prime Minister, Denmark was ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world.
5. She has been a strong advocate for children’s rights and global humanitarian issues, evidenced by her role with Save the Children International.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Helle Thorning-Schmidt
1. “I have always believed that we must strike a balance between economic growth and social justice.”
2. “Being the first woman Prime Minister of Denmark is not just about breaking a glass ceiling; it’s about paving the way for future generations.”
3. “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
4. “We must ensure that our children inherit a world that is not only more prosperous but also more just and equal.”
5. “Politics is about making tough decisions, but it’s also about having the courage to stand by them.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Helle Thorning-Schmidt’s highest net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
Children
Helle Thorning-Schmidt has two daughters with her husband, Stephen Kinnock. Their names are Johanna and Camilla.
Relevant Links
1. [Helle Thorning-Schmidt – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helle_Thorning-Schmidt
5. [Helle Thorning-Schmidt on BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14878708