Ex-Estonian President Arnold Rüütel Dies At 96

Former Estonian President, Arnold Ruutel, regarded as one of the fathers of the nation’s return to independence in 1991 has died at the age 96., the president’s office disclosed on Tuesday.

“He was one of the leaders of our independence,” said a statement from the office of the Baltic country’s presidency.

Ruutel was a communist party official at the end of the 1980s just as the Soviet Union was beginning to unravel, before becoming a protagonist in the Baltic country’s efforts to win back its sovereignty after a half-century of rule from Moscow.

As president of Estonia from 2001 to 2006, Ruutel contributed to its joining the European Union and to NATO in 2004.

In a joint statement, current President Alar Karis, Prime Minister Kristen Michal, and Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar expressed their condolences to the family of the late Rüütel.

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The three leaders noted that Rüütel’s nearly 100-year life story mirrors the multifaceted fate of the Estonian people as a whole. Over the years, President Rüütel played a central role in the nation’s leadership while maintaining strong ties to agriculture and rural communities.

The President, Speaker, and Prime Minister highlighted Rüütel’s key role in liberating Estonia from Soviet occupation and defending Estonia’s sovereignty in the face of revisionist forces attempting to reverse the breakup of the Soviet Union.

“During the critical days of the August 1991 coup attempt, he helped the Estonian people find courage and calm. He was among those who cast their vote on August 20, 1991, to restore the independent Republic of Estonia.

“President Rüütel always valued the preservation of nature and the continuity of our people. Estonia always remained with him as he remained with Estonia. We can be grateful to Arnold Rüütel for the life he lived for Estonia,” the statement continued.

Writing on his own social media account, the prime minister noted, “Last night, a great statesman and former President of Estonia, Arnold Rüütel, passed away. He played a central role in restoring Estonia’s independence and taking us to the EU. I will always remember his warmth and our friendly meetings. My condolences to all his loved ones.”