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Arnold Rüütel
Vabariigi President Arnold Rüütel.jpg
3rd President of Estonia
In office
8 October 2001 – 9 October 2006
Prime Minister Mart Laar
Siim Kallas
Juhan Parts
Andrus Ansip
Preceded by Lennart Meri
Succeeded by Toomas Hendrik Ilves
Chairman of the Supreme Council of Estonia
In office
29 March 1990 – 5 October 1992
Estonian SSR: 29 March 1990 – 8 May 1990
Prime Minister Edgar Savisaar
Tiit Vähi
Preceded by Enn-Arno Sillari
Succeeded by Lennart Meri (President)
Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic
In office
8 April 1983 – 29 March 1990
Prime Minister Valter Klauson
Bruno Saul
Indrek Toome
First Secretary Karl Vaino
Vaino Väljas
Preceded by Johannes Käbin
Succeeded by Himself (Chairman of the Supreme Council)
Personal details
Born (1928-05-10)10 May 1928
Pahavalla, Estonia
Died 31 December 2024(2024-12-31) (aged 96)
Political party Communist Party (Before 1994)
People's Union (1994–2001, 2007–2012)
Independent (2001–2007)
Conservative People's Party (2012–2024)
Spouse Ingrid Rüütel
Children 2
Signature

Arnold Rüütel (born 10 May 1928 – died 31 December 2024) was an important Estonian politician. He served as the third President of Estonia from 2001 to 2006. He was the second president after Estonia became independent again in 1991, following a period of Soviet rule.

Who Was Arnold Rüütel?

Arnold Rüütel was a key figure in Estonia's journey to independence. He held several important positions in Estonian politics. He helped guide the country during a big change from Soviet control to being a free nation.

Early Life and Education

Arnold Rüütel was born in Pahavalla village, Saaremaa, Estonia, on 10 May 1928. His parents were Feodor and Juulia Rüütel. He finished his studies at the Agricultural College in Jäneda in 1949.

After college, he worked as a senior farmer in Saaremaa. He also taught at the Tartu School of Agricultural Mechanization. He served in the Soviet Army for a time. In 1957, he became the director of a research farm. Later, in 1963, he led the Tartu Reference State Farm until 1969. He also earned a degree from the Estonian Academy of Agriculture in 1964.

Karl XXII istutatud tamm Vana-Antsa pargis
Arnold Rüütel with other leaders in 1978.

A Leader in Soviet Estonia

From 1969 to 1977, Rüütel was the head (rector) of the Estonian Academy of Agriculture. He then became the last leader of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic's parliament, called the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet. This role meant he was also one of the top leaders in the wider Soviet Union. He held this position from 1983 to 1990.

Estonia's Path to Independence

On 29 March 1990, Estonia held its first free elections. Arnold Rüütel was chosen as the Chairman of the Supreme Council, which was like the head of parliament. He was in this role when Estonia officially became fully independent on 20 August 1991. He continued to serve until October 1992.

After independence, Rüütel was part of the group that wrote Estonia's new constitution. In 1992, he ran for president in the first election. He got the most votes in the first round, but not enough to win right away. In the second round, the parliament chose Lennart Meri as president instead of Rüütel.

Arnold Rüütel Vasknarva piirivalvekordonis
Arnold Rüütel visiting a border guards outpost.

In 1991, Rüütel earned his doctorate in agriculture. He led the People's Union of Estonia political party from 1994 to 2000. He was also elected to the Estonian parliament (Riigikogu) in 1995. He ran for president again in 1996 but lost to Lennart Meri once more.

Becoming President of Estonia

Arnold Rüütel was elected president on 21 September 2001. He won against Toomas Savi in the final vote. He officially became President of the Republic on 8 October 2001.

Est UN
Arnold Rüütel at the United Nations.

What Did President Rüütel Do?

When he became president, Rüütel promised to help people who were struggling with Estonia's fast economic changes. He also wanted to bring more unity to society. During his time as president, he traveled to many countries. He visited leaders in places like Poland, Finland, Lithuania, and Russia to strengthen Estonia's relationships.

In 2006, his term as president was ending. He decided to run for re-election. However, the parliament could not agree on a new president. The decision then went to a special group called the electoral college. In September 2006, Arnold Rüütel lost the election to Toomas Hendrik Ilves. Rüütel received 162 votes, while Ilves received 174. Rüütel congratulated Ilves, and his presidency ended on 9 October 2006.

After His Presidency

Even after leaving office, Arnold Rüütel stayed involved in public life. He supported Mart Helme in the 2016 Estonian presidential election. He also continued to meet with other former presidents, like Nursultan Nazarbayev from Kazakhstan. In June 2024, Rüütel left the Conservative People's Party of Estonia, a party he had been part of for 30 years.

Awards and Recognition

Arnold Rüütel received many awards for his work and service. These awards came from Estonia and other countries around the world. Some of them include:

Gallery

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arnold Rüütel para niños

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