LM
II
Lennart Meri
6 October 1992 – 8 October 2001 · Two termsWriter, filmmaker and foreign minister. Served two terms as the first head of state after independence was restored.
Photo: Toomas Tuul / Visit Estonia · Viru bog, Lahemaa National Park
Since the restoration of independence
Lennart MeriAttributed to Lennart Meri.
Six presidents of one continuous republic
A record of the heads of state of the Republic of Estonia from Lennart Meri, who took office in October 1992, to the present day: their lives, their terms and the country they served.
The death of communism is being proclaimed from the rooftops, but no one has yet seen a corpse.
01Since the restoration of independence
The Presidents
In order of office. Numbering follows the official count, which begins with Konstantin Päts.
AR
III
Arnold Rüütel
8 October 2001 – 9 October 2006 · One termAgronomist who chaired the Supreme Council in 1991. President when Estonia joined NATO and the European Union.
TI
IV
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
9 October 2006 – 10 October 2016 · Two termsDiplomat and former journalist. Made e-Estonia and cyber security part of the country's international identity.
KK
V
Kersti Kaljulaid
10 October 2016 – 11 October 2021 · One termBiologist and auditor at the European Court of Auditors. The first woman, and the youngest person, to hold the office.
AK
VI
Alar Karis
11 October 2021 – 12 October 2026 · One termMolecular geneticist, university rector, Auditor General and museum director. President through Russia's war on Ukraine.
ÜM
VII
Ülle Madise
Since 12 October 2026 · IncumbentConstitutional lawyer and Chancellor of Justice from 2015 to 2026. The second woman to hold the office.
President Madise on Instagram
From the President's own feed
Photographs and notes from the work of the President of the Republic, published by the Office of the President.
@president_ylle.madise
Photo: Valmar Voolaid / Visit Estonia · Angla windmills, Saaremaa
02
Timeline, 1991–2026
Thirty-five years of the restored republic
The major events and achievements since 20 August 1991, in politics, the economy, the digital state, culture, nature and sport, set out by the presidency in which they took place, with the European and world events that shaped each period. Use the filters to narrow the view.
Show
Estonian topics
Period
Before the first president
Restoration of independence
20 August 1991 – 6 October 1992A failed coup in Moscow
Hard-liners try to seize power in the Soviet Union; the coup collapses within three days.
Independence restored
The Supreme Council declares the restoration of the Republic of Estonia.
A member of the United Nations
Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are admitted to the UN.
The Soviet Union is dissolved
Fifteen successor states take its place.
The Estonian kroon
Estonia introduces its own currency, the first former Soviet republic to do so.
A new Constitution
Adopted by referendum, restoring parliamentary democracy.
- No events match the filters in this period.
LM
II · President
Lennart Meri
6 October 1992 – 8 October 2001 · Two terms Known for- Negotiating the withdrawal of Russian troops, agreed with President Yeltsin in 1994
- Setting Estonia's course toward the European Union and NATO
- Giving the restored state an international voice as writer and statesman
The death of communism is being proclaimed from the rooftops, but no one has yet seen a corpse.
Soomaa National Park
Great bogs and floodplains are protected, where the spring flood is known as the fifth season.
The European Union is founded
The Maastricht Treaty enters into force.
A flat income tax
Estonia introduces a single rate of income tax, one of the first countries in Europe to do so.
The last Russian troops leave
Foreign military forces are withdrawn from Estonian soil.
The sinking of the Estonia
The ferry sinks on its way from Tallinn to Stockholm; 852 people lose their lives.
The Union grows to fifteen
Austria, Finland and Sweden join the European Union.
Schengen takes effect
Border checks end between the first seven Schengen countries.
Tallinn's Old Town on the World Heritage List
UNESCO inscribes the historic centre of the capital.
Talks on joining the European Union open
Estonia is in the first group of candidates to begin negotiations.
The euro is launched
Eleven EU countries share a single currency.
NATO's first enlargement eastward
The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland join the Alliance.
World Trade Organization
Estonia becomes a member of the WTO.
No tax on reinvested profits
Companies pay income tax only when they distribute their profits.
A new president in Russia
Vladimir Putin is inaugurated as President of the Russian Federation.
Olympic gold in Sydney
Erki Nool wins the decathlon.
Eurovision winners
Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL win the Eurovision Song Contest with Everybody.
Attacks on the United States
Terrorist attacks in New York and Washington kill nearly 3,000 people.
- No events match the filters in this period.
AR
III · President
Arnold Rüütel
8 October 2001 – 9 October 2006 · One term Known for- Chairing the Supreme Council that restored independence on 20 August 1991
- Serving as head of state when Estonia joined NATO and the European Union in 2004
It is precisely action based on values that can provide answers in complicated situations.
The X-Road
A secure data exchange layer begins linking the state's databases, the backbone of e-government.
Euro notes and coins
Cash in the single currency enters circulation in twelve countries.
The digital ID card
A national ID card with a legally binding digital signature goes into use.
Olympic gold in Salt Lake City
Andrus Veerpalu wins the 15 km classical cross-country race.
Tallinn hosts Eurovision
The Saku Suurhall stages the contest for Europe.
The Iraq War begins
A US-led coalition invades Iraq.
Skype
Built by Estonian engineers, the internet calling service is launched and soon used around the world.
Yes to Europe
Two thirds of voters approve membership of the European Union in a referendum.
The song festival tradition honoured
UNESCO recognises the Baltic song and dance celebrations.
Estonia joins NATO
Membership of the North Atlantic Alliance.
Estonia joins the European Union
One of ten countries to join in the largest enlargement of the Union.
Matsalu National Park
The great bird wetland on the west coast becomes a national park.
The Indian Ocean tsunami
An earthquake and tsunami kill more than 200,000 people.
The Kyoto Protocol
The first international climate treaty with binding targets enters into force.
Voting online
The first nationwide internet voting, in the local elections.
Kumu opens
The new Art Museum of Estonia opens in Kadriorg, Tallinn.
Three golds in Turin
Kristina Šmigun wins two Olympic titles and Andrus Veerpalu one in cross-country skiing.
- No events match the filters in this period.
TI
IV · President
Toomas Hendrik Ilves
9 October 2006 – 10 October 2016 · Two terms Known for- Championing e-Estonia and cyber security on the world stage
- Urging allies to strengthen the defence of the Baltic region after Russia annexed Crimea
- Two full terms, spanning entry to Schengen and the euro
Openness makes Estonia greater, pettiness makes it smaller.
A world first in parliamentary elections
Citizens can vote online in elections to the Riigikogu.
The Bronze Night and the cyberattacks
The moving of a Soviet war memorial in Tallinn is followed by riots and by the first large cyberattack on a state.
The Schengen area
Border checks with European neighbours come to an end.
Let's Do It!
In a single day, about 50,000 volunteers clear illegally dumped rubbish from the country's forests and roadsides.
NATO's cyber defence centre in Tallinn
The Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence is founded.
War in Georgia
Russia and Georgia fight a five-day war over South Ossetia.
Olympic gold in Beijing
Gerd Kanter wins the discus throw.
The financial crisis
Lehman Brothers collapses and a global financial crisis follows.
Recession and recovery
The economy shrinks by about 14 per cent; the government answers with deep budget cuts and keeps the course for the euro.
The Treaty of Lisbon
The reform treaty of the European Union enters into force.
The euro area debt crisis
The first rescue package is agreed for Greece.
Membership of the OECD
Estonia joins the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
The euro
Estonia adopts the single European currency.
Tallinn, European Capital of Culture
A year of culture along the sea, with the city's waterfront opened up to the public.
TransferWise
Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus found the money transfer company now known as Wise.
Fukushima
An earthquake and tsunami in Japan cause a nuclear disaster.
A Nobel Peace Prize for Europe
The European Union is awarded the prize for advancing peace and reconciliation.
Crimea annexed
Russia annexes Crimea and war begins in eastern Ukraine.
e-Residency
A government-issued digital identity becomes available to people worldwide.
Europe's refugee crisis
More than a million people seek asylum in the European Union.
The Paris Agreement
Nearly every country agrees to limit global warming.
The Brexit vote
The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union.
The Estonian National Museum opens in Tartu
A new home for the nation's museum, built on a former Soviet airfield.
- No events match the filters in this period.
KK
V · President
Kersti Kaljulaid
10 October 2016 – 11 October 2021 · One term Known for- Being the first woman, and the youngest person, to serve as President
- Leading the Republic's centenary year in 2018
- Championing Estonia's successful bid for a UN Security Council seat
Anyone who appreciates our language, customs and values can be an Estonian.
Presidency of the Council of the EU
Estonia holds the rotating presidency for the first time.
The Republic's centenary
One hundred years since the Declaration of Independence of 1918.
Alutaguse National Park
The forests and bogs of north-east Estonia, home to bears, lynx and flying squirrels, become the newest national park.
World Cleanup Day
The movement begun in Estonia brings volunteers out in more than 150 countries.
The Arvo Pärt Centre
A home for the composer's archive opens in the pine forest at Laulasmaa.
A seat on the UN Security Council
Elected as a non-permanent member for 2020–2021, for the first time.
150 years of the song festival
The jubilee festival in Tallinn marks a century and a half since the first, in Tartu in 1869.
World Rally Champion
Ott Tänak and co-driver Martin Järveoja win the world title.
The European Green Deal
The EU sets the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.
The United Kingdom leaves the European Union
The first member state to leave.
A pandemic
The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic.
Vaccination begins
COVID-19 vaccination starts across the European Union.
The first woman Prime Minister
Kaja Kallas forms a government.
Wise on the stock exchange
The Estonian-founded company lists in London.
- No events match the filters in this period.
AK
VI · President
Alar Karis
11 October 2021 – 12 October 2026 · One term Known for- Leading the state through Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, as a steady voice for Ukraine's support
- Making Estonian culture, language and science central themes of his term
Estonia's culture is our defence against darkness; it is our national identity.
Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine
The largest war in Europe since 1945.
The arrival of generative AI
The public release of ChatGPT brings artificial intelligence into everyday use.
Most votes cast online
For the first time, more than half of the votes in the Riigikogu elections are cast over the internet.
Finland and Sweden join NATO
Finland in April 2023, Sweden in March 2024.
War in the Middle East
Hamas attacks Israel and war in Gaza follows.
Marriage equality
Estonia becomes the first former Soviet country to allow same-sex couples to marry.
Tartu, European Capital of Culture
Tartu and southern Estonia host a year of culture under the theme Arts of Survival.
Ukraine's path to the EU
The European Union opens accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.
Europe's chief diplomat
Kaja Kallas becomes the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Connected to Europe's power grid
With Latvia and Lithuania, Estonia leaves the Russian-controlled grid and synchronises with continental Europe.
NATO raises its sights
At The Hague, allies commit to spending 5 per cent of GDP on defence and security by 2035.
- No events match the filters in this period.
ÜM
VII · President
Ülle Madise
Since 12 October 2026 · Incumbent Before office- Chancellor of Justice, the guardian of constitutional rights, from 2015 to 2026
- Legal adviser to President Ilves, 2009–2015
Everyone here in Estonia must feel that they are an asset, as are their life, work, and creation.
Elected in the first round
The Riigikogu elects Ülle Madise with 71 of 101 votes.
Takes office
The seventh President of the Republic and the second woman to hold the office.
- No events match the filters in this period.
Quotations are reproduced as published in English by the linked sources. The words of Lennart Meri are widely attributed to him but not traced to a recorded speech.
Photo: Giulio Gröbert / Visit Estonia · Tallinn at dusk03Office & Archive
The Office of President
As set out in the Constitution of 1992
1
How the President is elected
The Riigikogu elects the President by a two-thirds majority, at least 68 of its 101 members. If three rounds produce no result, an electoral college of Riigikogu members and local council representatives decides.
2
Term of office
The term is five years. No person may serve more than two consecutive terms. While in office, the President suspends any party membership.
3
Role and duties
The President is head of state, represents Estonia in international relations, proclaims laws and may return them to the Riigikogu, and is the supreme commander of national defence.
Before 1992
Konstantin Päts became the first President of the Republic of Estonia in 1938 and held office until the Soviet occupation in 1940. The official numbering of presidents begins with him, which is why Lennart Meri is counted as the second. During the occupation, the continuity of the state was kept by heads of state in exile; the last of them, Heinrich Mark, served from 1990 until 1992. This site covers the presidents who have served since independence was restored.
04Speeches & Archive
Speeches and archive
Primary sources from president.ee, the website of the Office of the President
Latest speeches
- 12 October 2026 · Ülle Madise · Inauguration“Eesti tulevikku ehitame üheskoos”We build Estonia's future together. In Estonian.
- 12 October 2026 · Alar Karis · Farewell address to the Riigikogu“Eesti rahva tarkus on kohaneda igas olukorras, raskuses ja kriisis”The wisdom of the Estonian people is to adapt in every situation, hardship and crisis. In Estonian.
Official portraits and photographs
The Office of the President publishes an official portrait of every head of state, and a photo archive of state visits, ceremonies and receptions.
Terms of use: publication requires permission from the Office of the President, commercial use requires a licence agreement, and the photos may not be cropped or altered. Contact: vpinfo(at)vpk.ee.
Official portraits Photo albums on FlickrThe state and its symbols
- Heads of state since 1918The official list, with the legal basis of each term.
- Flag, coat of arms and anthemThe blue-black-white flag, the three lions and “Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm”.
- State decorationsFrom the Cross of Liberty to the Order of the White Star, awarded by the President.
- Independence Manifesto, 1918The founding declaration of the Republic.
- The ConstitutionAdopted by referendum on 28 June 1992.
05Discover Estonia
What Estonia is famous for
A digital state, a singing nation, half a country of forest and a history of quiet endurance. Five things the world knows Estonia for.
Photo: Johannes Arro / Visit Estonia · Building a robot01A digital societyFew countries have moved as much of public life online. An Estonian can start a company, sign a contract, see a doctor's prescription or vote from a laptop, and the state asks for the same information only once.
Photo: Aivar Pihelgas / Visit Estonia · The Song Celebration in Tallinn02Song, music and cultureEstonians sang their way to freedom. The song festival, held since 1869, gathers tens of thousands of singers on one stage, and the country's composers are performed in concert halls across the world.
Photo: Jarek Jõepera / Visit Estonia · Autumn in Soomaa03Forests, bogs and islandsHalf of Estonia is forest, a fifth is wetland, and its coast is scattered with more than two thousand islands. Wolves, bears and lynx still live here, an hour's drive from the capital.
Photo: Martti Volt / Visit Estonia · The blue, black and white04A history of enduranceThe Republic was declared on 24 February 1918, defended in the War of Independence, occupied in 1940 and restored on 20 August 1991, without a shot being fired.06Famous Estonians
Ten Estonians the world knows
Composers and code writers, a chess legend and a world rally champion: ten of the people the country is famous for.
AP
Composer
Arvo Pärt
1935–Born in Paide. His tintinnabuli style, heard in Für Alina, Spiegel im Spiegel and Tabula Rasa, made him one of the most performed living composers in the world.
Their story →LK
Architect
Louis Kahn
1901–1974Spent his early childhood in Kuressaare on Saaremaa before emigrating to the United States. Designed the Salk Institute, the Kimbell Art Museum and the National Assembly of Bangladesh.
Their story →JT
Engineer and investor
Jaan Tallinn
1972–One of the engineers behind Kazaa and Skype, which connected the world by voice. He now funds research into the long-term risks of artificial intelligence.
Their story →TH
Entrepreneur
Taavet Hinrikus
1981–Skype's first employee. In 2011 he co-founded TransferWise, now Wise, which made sending money abroad cheap and transparent.
Their story →OT
Rally driver
Ott Tänak
1987–From the gravel roads of Saaremaa to the world title: in 2019 he and co-driver Martin Järveoja became World Rally Champions.
Their story →CK
Model
Carmen Kass
1978–Born in Paide, she became one of the leading models of the late 1990s and 2000s. A keen chess player, she has also led the Estonian Chess Federation.
Their story →PK
Chess grandmaster
Paul Keres
1916–1975Born in Narva. Winner of the great AVRO tournament of 1938 and four times runner-up in the Candidates: the strongest player never to become world champion, it is often said.
Their story →JL
Semiotician
Juri Lotman
1922–1993Professor at the University of Tartu who founded the Tartu–Moscow school of semiotics and taught generations how to read culture as a language.
Their story →KE
Naturalist
Karl Ernst von Baer
1792–1876Born at Piibe in Järvamaa. Discovered the mammalian egg cell in 1827 and is regarded as a founder of embryology. His statue stands on Toome Hill in Tartu.
Their story →FG
Navigator
Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen
1778–1852Born on Saaremaa. In January 1820 the expedition he led was among the first to sight the continent of Antarctica.
Their story →Selected from the People collection of Minu Eesti, eestivabariik.ee, where each has a fuller story. Photographs from Wikimedia Commons. eestivabariik.ee