Kaj Leo Johannesen

Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands
Incumbent
Assumed office 26 September 2008

Preceded by Jóannes Eidesgaard

Born 28 August 1964 (age 45) Tórshavn, Streymoy

Political party Sambandsflokkurin

Religion Fólkakirkjan

Kaj Leo Johannesen (born 28 August 1964 in Streymoy, Faroes) is the current Faroese prime minister, representing Faroese Unionist Party (Sambandsflokkurin). He took over at the office from Jóannes Eidesgaard on 26 September 2008.
Kaj Leo Johannesen also was a football goalkeeper and got 4 full international caps for the Faroes in 1991-1992, also in Euro-92 and World Cup-94 qualifiers. He was reserve goalkeeper in more than 20 international matches. Kaj Leo played in goal for one of the strongest Faroese clubs, HB Tórshavn between 1986 and 2001. He became champion of the Faroese League in 1988, 1990 and 1998.
Kaj Leo Johannesen is the first ever person in history, who played international football and later became a leader of his nation, as the post of prime minister is the most important political position on the Faroes. Twice before, former international footballers had been close to become presidents of their countries. But Albert Guðmundsson of Iceland and George Weah of Liberia (curiosly, both former professionals with AC Milan) lost their presidential elections, in 1980 to Vigdís Finnbogadóttir and 2005 to Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf respectively, who became first ever female presidents in Europe and Africa.