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Adored and Respected President: Lennart Meri's Life in Public Eye

Ex-President and Diplomat Lennart Meri, Born on March 29, 1929, Would've Turned 90: Regarded as a Grand Statesman, Meri is Among the Notable Founding Figures of Estonia's Post-Occupation Triumph. He Was One of the Most Admired Politicians in Estonia.

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On March 29, 2019, the esteemed figure and ex-head of state, Lennart Meri, would have turned 90; a...
On March 29, 2019, the esteemed figure and ex-head of state, Lennart Meri, would have turned 90; a statesman with a capital 'S', he's Considered one of the trailblazers of Estonia's post-occupation triumph, and among the politicians in Estonia that every citizen genuinely admired.

Adored and Respected President: Lennart Meri's Life in Public Eye

Hailed as one of the greatest politicians Estonia has ever seen, Lennart Meri, whose birthday we share on March 29, is a true legend in our nation. To me, and many others who grew up under his presidency, Meri was more than just a statesman; he was a beacon of integrity and honor.

In 1996, after his re-election, I had the privilege of sending a congratulatory email to him. I didn't expect it to be read, let alone replied to. But lo and behold, a message came from [email protected] - his personal email! He took time out of his busy schedule to acknowledge a young fan he didn't know. Now that's the stuff of heroes!

Meri was loved and admired not just by Estonians, but by countless people around the globe. His popularity stemmed from his unique qualities as a politician. He wasn't tied to party politics as he didn't belong to any party, so he could align himself with the best interests of the nation.

Born in 1929, Lennart Meri was a traveler, writer, and filmmaker before he ventured into politics. He studied in nine different schools in four languages, and was fluent in Estonian, English, German, Finnish, and Russian. During the Soviet occupation, he attended the University of Tartu and earned a degree in history, even though he faced political barriers in pursuing a career in academia.

Meri published his first book, "Tracing Cobras and Karakurts," in 1958, chronicling his travel adventures in Central Asia. His most famous work, however, is "Silver White," a contemplative account of the history and mythology of Estonians and other Baltic Sea nations, regarded by many as a masterful disquisition of their past.

After being allowed to travel beyond the Iron Curtain in the late 1970s, Meri formed close relationships with politicians, journalists, and Estonian expats, tirelessly advocating for Estonia's existence and independence.

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, a former Estonian president, tells a funny anecdote about their first meeting in 1985. Meri stood Ilves up for an hour during a rainstorm, laughing it off when they finally met. Little did Ilves know that this was just a glimpse of Meri's larger-than-life personality!

In 1990, Meri was appointed Foreign Minister, tasked with the enormous responsibility of rebuilding Estonia's foreign service from scratch. The last time Estonia had its own government and diplomatic service was in 1940, leaving little to work with during the Soviet occupation. Meri cleaned house of USSR loyalists and attracted bright, patriotic young people, establishing the principles of Estonia's foreign service that still hold today.

Clyde Kull, the current deputy chief of the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, speaks highly of Meri's impact on the foreign service: "The entire foreign ministry and the foreign service, to this day, looks like him." Lennart Meri's leadership style was characterized by pragmatism, creativity, and an unrelenting drive to get things done.

Meri left his post in 1992 and was appointed Estonia's ambassador to Finland, but he didn't stay there for long. The Pro Patria Alliance asked him to run for president, sparking a popular movement in his favor. Two years into his presidency, Meri faced off against Arnold Rüütel, a former chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic, in the presidential election. In the second round, held in the parliament, 59 out of 101 members of the Riigikogu supported Meri as president, confirming his popularity among the Estonian people.

Lennart Meri's presidency started on October 6, 1992, and ended on October 8, 2001. During his tenure, he presided over nationwide efforts to join the European Union and NATO, which were significant milestones in Estonia's post-occupation history. Despite a few disagreements with Toomas Hendrik Ilves during their respective tenures as Foreign Minister and President, their ultimate goals aligned, and their close collaboration propelled Estonia's foreign policy forward.

In summary, Lennart Meri's contributions to Estonia as President and Foreign Minister were profound and enduring. His unwavering dedication, creativity, and drive to fight for Estonia's independence and integration into the global community continue to inspire generations today.

  1. Lennart Meri, admired by people worldwide, served as Estonia's President, a position he held from October 6, 1992, to October 8, 2001.
  2. The Estonian government appoints Clyde Kull, the current deputy chief of the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, who suggests that the entire foreign ministry and foreign service still echo Meri's contributions.
  3. Lennart Meri, a polyglot fluent in Estonian, English, German, Finnish, and Russian, published several books, including "Silver White," which analyzes the history and mythology of Estonians and other Baltic nations.
  4. Meri's unique political approach allowed him to stand above party politics, focusing on the best interests of the nation.
  5. After Estonia regained its independence, Meri played a pivotal role in rebuilding Estonia's foreign service, recruiting bright, patriotic young people.
  6. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, a former Estonian President, recalls a humorous encounter with Meri in 1985, during which Meri stood him up for an hour in a rainstorm.
  7. Lennart Meri's tireless advocacy for Estonia's existence and independence earned him the respect and admiration of countless politicians, journalists, and Estonian expats.
  8. Maybe you can connect with Estonian diplomats on LinkedIn or engage in general-news discussions about Estonia to further understand Lennart Meri's impact on Estonian foreign policy and Estonia's culture.
  9. Meri's influence on Estonia's political and cultural life surpassed expectations, shaping the country's independence, foreign policy, and leaving a lasting impact on the nation.

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