Arnold Rüütel
Estonian politician, former President of Estonia (1928-2024) · Estonia · On the map · Politicians · Died at 96
He led Estonia through the restoration of its independence after Soviet occupation, then returned a decade later as the country's third president - a span that bracketed the nation's reinvention.
Arnold Rüütel is read about 89 times a day, in 54 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 10 November 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 114 days, one point a day.
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Photos 8
Vabariigi President Arnold Rüütel.jpg?width=1200)
Ambassador Kent Signing the Condolence Book for Former President Arnold Rüütel 1 (54254253071).jpg?width=1200)
Ambassador Kent Signing the Condolence Book for Former President Arnold Rüütel 2 (54254672500).jpg?width=1200)
Ambassador Kent Signing the Condolence Book for Former President Arnold Rüütel 3 (54254478478).jpg?width=1200)
Arnold Rüütel - Laulupidu 2009 (crop)
Arnold Rüütel 2006.jpg?width=1200)
Arnold Rüütel at 1992 Olympians reception (ESMF654 2-A12587 1)
Arnold Rüütel autogramme kirjutamasAwards
About this person
Arnold Rüütel was born on 10 May 1928 in Estonia, long before the Soviet occupation that would define much of his life. When independence was restored on 20 August 1991, he emerged as the second president of the reborn republic. A decade passed. On 8 October 2001, he returned to the office as Estonia's third president, holding it until 9 October 2006. He died on 31 December 2024, having witnessed both the country's erasure and its return.
