Arnold Rüütel was an agricultural scientist from Saaremaa who led the Supreme Council when it declared the restoration of independence on 20 August 1991. Ten years later he was elected President, and during his term Estonia joined both NATO and the European Union.
AR
III · Third President of the Republic
Arnold Rüütel
Agronomist who chaired the Supreme Council in 1991. President when Estonia joined NATO and the European Union.
- In office
- 8 October 2001 – 9 October 2006 · One term
- Lived
- 10 May 1928 – 31 December 2024
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Biography
At a glance
- Born
- 10 May 1928, Pahavalla, Laimjala Parish, Saaremaa
- Died
- 31 December 2024, Tallinn
- Spouse
- Ingrid Rüütel, folklorist
- Children
- Two daughters
- Profession
- Agronomist, agricultural scientist
Education
- Jäneda Agricultural College, 1949
- Estonian Academy of Agriculture, 1964
- Doctorate in agricultural sciences, 1991
Career
- 1949–1950Senior agronomist in Saaremaa
- 1963–1969Director of the Tartu state farm
- 1969–1977Rector of the Estonian Academy of Agriculture
- 1983–1990Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR
- 1990–1992Chairman of the Supreme Council, which declared the restoration of independence on 20 August 1991
- 1991–1992Member of the Constitutional Assembly
- 1994–2000Chairman of the People's Union of Estonia
- 1995–2001Member of the Riigikogu
Presidency
- Elected by the electoral college on 21 September 2001, defeating Toomas Savi by 186 votes to 155.
- Took office on 8 October 2001.
- Head of state when Estonia joined NATO on 29 March 2004 and the European Union on 1 May 2004.
- Stood for a second term in 2006 and lost to Toomas Hendrik Ilves in the electoral college, 162 votes to 174.
In their words
It is precisely action based on values that can provide answers in complicated situations.
Honours
- Gusi Peace Prize, 2013
Later life
- Remained active in public life as honorary chairman of several societies and foundations.
- Died on 31 December 2024 at the age of 96. A state funeral was held on 11 January 2025, and he was buried at the Forest Cemetery in Tallinn.
During the term
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.
Sources
This profile is compiled from the English and Estonian Wikipedia articles and the Office of the President, as of October 2026.