Heads of Government

Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister

Assumed Office: 26 January 2021
Political Party: Reform Party
Predecessor: Jüri Ratas

Born: 18 June 1977
Birth Place: Tallinn, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu; Estonian Business School
Spouse(s): Roomet Leiger (m. 2002; div. 2006); Arvo Hallik (m. 2018)
Children: 1
Previous Positions: Member of the Riigikogu (3 March 2019 – 26 January 2021); Member of the European Parliament for Estonia (1 July 2014 – 5 September 2018)

Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister

Assumed Office: 23 November 2016
Left Office: 26 January 2021
Political Party: Centre Party
Predecessor: Taavi Rõivas
Successor: Kaja Kallas
Notes:
Leader of the Centre Party (5 November 2016 – Incumbent)

Born: 2 July 1978
Birth Place: Tallinn, Estonia
Alma Mater: Tallinn University of Technology
Spouse(s): Karin Ratas
Children: Four
Previous Positions: Mayor of Tallinn (15 November 2005 – 5 April 2007); Second deputy speaker of the Riigikogu (2015)

Taavi Rõivas, Prime Minister

Assumed Office: 26 March 2014
Left Office: 23 November 2016
Political Party: Reform Party
Predecessor: Andrus Ansip
Successor: Jüri Ratas

Born: 26 September 1979
Birth Place: Tallinn, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Luisa Värk
Children: 2 including Miina Rihanna
Previous Positions: Advisor to Minister of Justice Mart Rask (1999 to 2002); Mayor of Haabersti district of Tallinn (2004–2005); Advisor to the Minister of Population Affairs Paul-Eerik Rummo (2003 to 2004); Advisor to the Prime Minister and Reform Party Leader Andrus Ansip (2005); Minister of Social Affairs (11 December 2012 – 26 March 2014); Member of Riigikogu (2007, 2011)

Andrus Ansip, Prime Minister

Assumed Office: 12 April 2005
Left Office: 26 March 2014
Political Party: Reform Party
Predecessor: Juhan Parts
Successor: Taavi Rõivas
Notes: European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society (1 January 2017 – 7 July 2017); European Commissioner for Digital Single Market (1 November 2014 – 1 July 2019)

Born: 1 October 1956
Birth Place: Tartu, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu; Estonian University of Life Sciences
Spouse(s): Anu Ansip
Children: 3
Previous Positions: Mayor of Tartu (10 September 1998 – 23 September 2004); Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications (23 September 2004 – 12 April 2005)

Juhan Parts, Prime Minister

Full Name: Juhan Parts
Assumed Office: 10 April 2003
Left Office: 12 April 2005
Political Party: Res Publica Party (2001–2006); Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (2006–present)
Predecessor: Siim Kallas
Successor: Andrus Ansip
Notes: Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications (4 April 2007 – 26 March 2014)

Born: 27 August 1966
Birth Place: Tallinn, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Daisy Tauk (2002–present)
Children: 4
Previous Positions: Auditor General (1998–2002)

Siim Kallas, Prime Minister

Full Name: Siim Kallas
Assumed Office: 28 January 2002
Left Office: 10 April 2003
Political Party: Communist Party (Before 1991); Reform Party (1994–present)
Predecessor: Mart Laar
Successor: Juhan Parts
Notes: European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs(1 May 2004 – 22 November 2004);European Commissioner for Administrative Affairs, Audit and Anti-Fraud(22 November 2004 – 9 February 2010);European Commissioner for Transport(9 February 2010 – 1 November 2014)

Born: 2 October 1948
Birth Place: Tallinn, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Kristi Kallas
Children: 2;including Kaja Kallas
Previous Positions: Minister of Foreign Affairs (9 November 1995 – 21 November 1996); Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (1996); Minister of Finance (1999–2002); Member of the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union (1989–1991); Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Estonia (1995–2004)

Mart Laar, Prime Minister

Full Name: Mart Laar
Assumed Office: 25 March 1999
Left Office: 28 January 2002
Political Party: Pro Patria
Predecessor: Mart Siimann
Successor: Siim Kallas
Notes: Minister of Defence(6 April 2011 – 11 May 2012); Leader of the IRL(26 May 2007 – 28 January 2012)

Born: 22 April 1960
Birth Place: Viljandi, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu

Mart Siimann, Prime Minister

Full Name: Mart Siimann
Assumed Office: 17 March 1997
Left Office: 25 March 1999
Political Party: Estonian Coalition Party
Predecessor: Tiit Vähi
Successor: Mart Laar

Born: 21 September 1946
Birth Place: Kilingi-Nõmme, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Previous Positions: Member of the Estonian Parliament from 1995 to 1997

Konstantin Päts, Prime Minister

Full Name: Konstantin Päts
Assumed Office: 24 January 1934
Left Office: 3 September 1937
Political Party: Country People's Union (1917–1920); Farmers' Assemblies (1920–1932); Union of Settlers and Smallholders (1932–1935)
Predecessor: Himself as State Elder
Successor: Konstantin Päts

Born: 23 February 1874
Birth Place: Tahkuranna Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 18 January 1956
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Wilhelmine ("Helma");
Ida Emilie Päts
Children: Leo; Viktor
Previous Positions: Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Provisional Government of Estonia; Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of Estonia; 2nd, 4th, 11th, 14th and 16th State Elder of Estonia; 6th Prime Minister of Estonia, in duties of the State Elder of Estonia; President-Regent of Estonia

Tiit Vähi, Prime Minister

Full Name: Tiit Vähi
Assumed Office: 17 April 1995
Left Office: 17 March 1997
Political Party: Estonian Coalition Party
Predecessor: Andres Tarand
Successor: Mart Siimann

Born: 10 January 1947
Alma Mater: Tallinn Technical University
Previous Positions: Minister for Transport and Communications(1989)

Jaan Tõnisson, State Elder

Full Name: Jaan Tõnisson
Assumed Office: 18 May 1933
Left Office: 21 October 1933
Political Party: Progressive People's Party (1905–1917); Democratic Party (1917–1919); Estonian People's Party (1919–1932); National Centre Party (1932–1935); later none
Predecessor: Konstantin Päts
Successor: Konstantin Päts

Born: 22 December 1868
Birth Place: Viiratsi Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 1941
Alma Mater: University of Tartu

Andres Tarand, Prime Minister

Full Name: Andres Tarand
Assumed Office: 8 November 1994
Left Office: 17 April 1995
Political Party: Social Democratic Party
Predecessor: Mart Laar
Successor: Tiit Vähi

Born: 11 January 1940
Birth Place: Tallinn, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Mari Tarand
Children: Indrek and Kaarel
Previous Positions: Minister of the Environment (1992–1994)

Mart Laar, Prime Minister

Full Name: Mart Laar
Assumed Office: 21 October 1992
Left Office: 8 November 1994
Political Party: Pro Patria
Predecessor: Tiit Vähi
Successor: Andres Tarand
Notes: Minister of Defence(6 April 2011 – 11 May 2012); Leader of the IRL(26 May 2007 – 28 January 2012)

Born: 22 April 1960
Birth Place: Viljandi, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu

Tiit Vähi, Prime Minister

Full Name: Tiit Vähi
Assumed Office: 29 January 1992
Left Office: 21 October 1992
Political Party: Estonian Coalition Party
Predecessor: Edgar Savisaar
Successor: Mart Laar

Born: 10 January 1947
Birth Place: Kaagjarve parish, Estonia
Alma Mater: Tallinn Technical University
Previous Positions: Minister for Transport and Communications (1989-January 1992); Government's special representative to north-eastern Estonia (1991)

Edgar Savisaar, Prime Minister

Full Name: Edgar Savisaar
Assumed Office: 3 April 1990
Left Office: 29 January 1992
Political Party: Communist Party (1983–1988); Popular Front (1988–1991); Centre Party (1991–present)
Predecessor: Otto Tief
Successor: Tiit Vähi
Notes: Vice-Speaker of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) (1992 until 1995); Minister for Internal Affairs (17 April – 6 November 1995); Minister of the Interior(12 April 1995 – 10 October 1995); Mayor of Tallinn (9 April 2007 – 30 September 2015, December 2001 – October 2004)

Born: 31 May 1950
Birth Place: Harku, Estonia
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Kaire Savisaar;
Liis Remmel;
Vilja Laanaru (m. 1996, 2009)
Children: 4: Erki; Maria; Edgar; Rosina
Previous Positions: Vice-Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Estonian SSR and the Head of the State Plan Committee (1989); Minister of Economic Affairs (1990); Chairman of the Council of Ministers (3 April 1990-20 August 1991)

Otto Tief, Prime Minister

Full Name: Otto Tief
Assumed Office: 18 September 1944
Left Office: 25 September 1944
Predecessor: Jüri Uluots
Successor: Edgar Savisaar

Born: 14 August 1889
Birth Place: Uusküla, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: 5 March 1976
Alma Mater: Tartu University
Previous Positions: Member of Riigikogu (1926); Minister of Social Affairs (1926–1927); Minister of Justice (1928); Member of Riigikogu (1932)

Jüri Uluots, Prime Minister

Full Name: Jüri Uluots
Assumed Office: 12 October 1939
Left Office: 21 June 1940
Political Party: Fatherland Union
Predecessor: Kaarel Eenpalu
Successor: Otto Tief
Notes:
Prime Minister in the duties of the President (20 June 1940 – 9 January 1945)

Born: 13 January 1890
Birth Place: Kirbla Parish, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: 9 January 1945
Alma Mater: St. Petersburg University
Previous Positions: Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Provisional Government of Estonia (24 February 1918 – 12 November 1918); Minister of Internal Affairs (1918) and Minister of War (1918–1919); Member of Riigikogu, the Estonian parliament (1920–1926, 1929–1932); Speaker of the Riigivolikogu (lower chamber) (4 April 1938 – 12 October 1939)

Otto Strandman, State Elder

Full Name: Otto August Strandman
Assumed Office: 9 July 1929
Left Office: 12 February 1931
Political Party: Radical Socialist Party (1917); Estonian Labour Party (1917–1932); National Centre Party (1932–1935); later none
Predecessor: August Rei
Successor: Konstantin Pats

Born: 30 November 1875
Birth Place: Vandu, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire
Died: 5 February 1941
Alma Mater: Tartu University; Saint Petersburg University
Spouse(s): Lydia Strandman (née Hindrikson)
Previous Positions: 1st Prime Minister of Estonia (9 May 1919 – 18 November 1919)

Kaarel Eenpalu, Prime Minister

Full Name: Kaarel Eenpalu
Assumed Office: 24 April 1938
Left Office: 12 October 1939
Political Party: Fatherland Union
Predecessor: Konstantin Päts
Successor: Jüri Uluots

Born: 28 May 1888
Birth Place: Paju talu, Vesneri Parish
Died: 1942
Alma Mater: Tartu University
Spouse(s): Linda Eenpalu
Children: Helmi-Aino; Virve; Tiiu-Hilja; Mai-Linda
Previous Positions: Speaker of the Riigikogu (1933–1934); State Elder of Estonia (1932); Speaker of the Riigikogu (1926–1932); Auditor General of Estonia (1919–1920)

August Rei, State Elder

Full Name: August Rei
Assumed Office: 4 December 1928
Left Office: 9 July 1929
Political Party: Social Democratic Workers' Party; Socialist Workers' Party
Predecessor: Jaan Tõnisson
Successor: Otto Strandman

Born: 22 March 1886
Birth Place: Kurla, Pilistvere Parish, Kreis Fellin, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 29 March 1963
Alma Mater: Saint Petersburg State University

Jaan Tõnisson, State Elder

Full Name: Jaan Tõnisson
Assumed Office: 9 December 1927
Left Office: 4 December 1928
Political Party: Progressive People's Party (1905–1917); Democratic Party (1917–1919); Estonian People's Party (1919–1932); National Centre Party (1932–1935); later none
Predecessor: Jaan Teemant
Successor: August Rei

Born: 22 December 1868
Birth Place: Viiratsi Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 1941
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Previous Positions: 2nd Prime Minister of Estonia (18 November 1919 – 28 July 1920)

Jaan Teemant, State Elder

Full Name: Jaan Teemant
Assumed Office: 15 December 1925
Left Office: 9 December 1927
Predecessor: Juri Jaakson
Successor: Jaan Tõnisson

Alma Mater: Saint Petersburg University

Juri Jaakson, State Elder

Full Name: Juri Jaakson
Assumed Office: 16 December 1924
Left Office: 15 December 1925
Predecessor: Friedrich Akel
Successor: Jaan Teemant

Born: 4 January 1870
Birth Place: Karula, Kreis Fellin, Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 20 April 1942
Alma Mater: Tartu University; Saint Petersburg University

Ernesto Perez Balladares, President

Full Name: Ernesto Pérez Balladares González-Revilla
Assumed Office: 1 September 1994
Left Office: 1 September 1999
Political Party: Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD)

Born: 29 June 1946
Birth Place: Panama City, Panama
Alma Mater: University of Notre Dame; the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Spouse(s): Dora Boyd de Perez Balladares

Friedrich Akel, State Elder

Full Name: Friedrich Karl Akel
Assumed Office: 26 March 1924
Left Office: 16 December 1924
Predecessor: Konstantin Päts
Successor: Juri Jaakson

Born: 5 September 1871
Birth Place: Kaubi Manor, Kaubi Parish (now in Pornuse), Viljandi County
Died: 3 July 1941

Konstantin Päts, State Elder

Full Name: Konstantin Päts
Assumed Office: 2 August 1923
Left Office: 26 March 1924
Political Party: Country People's Union (1917–1920); Farmers' Assemblies (1920–1932); Union of Settlers and Smallholders (1932–1935)
Predecessor: Juhan Kukk
Successor: Friedrich Akel

Born: 23 February 1874
Birth Place: Tahkuranna Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 18 January 1956
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Wilhelmine ("Helma"); Ida Emilie Päts
Children: Leo; Viktor
Previous Positions: Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Provisional Government of Estonia (24 February 1918 – 12 November 1918); Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of Estonia (12 November 1918 – 8 May 1919); State Elder of Estonia (25 January 1921 – 21 November 1922; 2 August 1923 – 26 March 1924; 12 February 1931 – 19 February 1932; 1 November 1932 – 18 May 1933; 21 October 1933 – 24 January 1934); 6th Prime Minister of Estonia, in duties of the State Elder of Estonia; President-Regent of Estonia

Juhan Kukk, State Elder

Full Name: Juhan (Johann) Kukk
Assumed Office: 21 October 1922
Left Office: 2 August 1923
Political Party: Eesti Tööerakond - ETE
Predecessor: Konstantin Päts
Successor: Konstantin Päts

Born: 13 April 1885
Birth Place: Karu, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire
Died: 4 December 1942
Previous Positions: Speaker of Riigikogu (1921–1922)

Konstantin Päts, State Elder

Full Name: Konstantin Päts
Assumed Office: 25 January 1921
Left Office: 21 November 1922
Political Party: Country People's Union (1917–1920); Farmers' Assemblies (1920–1932); Union of Settlers and Smallholders (1932–1935)
Predecessor: Ants Piip
Successor: Juhan Kukk

Born: 23 February 1874
Birth Place: Tahkuranna Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 18 January 1956
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Wilhelmine ("Helma"); Ida Emilie Päts
Children: Leo; Viktor
Previous Positions: Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Provisional Government of Estonia (24 February 1918 – 12 November 1918); Prime Minister of the Provisional Government of Estonia (12 November 1918 – 8 May 1919); State Elder of Estonia (25 January 1921 – 21 November 1922; 2 August 1923 – 26 March 1924; 12 February 1931 – 19 February 1932; 1 November 1932 – 18 May 1933; 21 October 1933 – 24 January 1934); 6th Prime Minister of Estonia, in duties of the State Elder of Estonia; President-Regent of Estonia

Ants Piip, State Elder

Full Name: Ants Piip
Assumed Office: 20 December 1920
Left Office: 25 January 1921
Political Party: Estonian Labour Party; later none
Predecessor: Position established
Successor: Konstantin Päts

Born: 28 February 1884
Birth Place: Tuhalaane, Kreis Fellin, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire
Died: 1 October 1942
Previous Positions: 4th Prime Minister of Estonia (26 October 1920 – 20 December 1920)

Ants Piip, Prime Minister

Full Name: Ants Piip
Assumed Office: 26 October 1920
Left Office: 20 December 1920
Political Party: Estonian Labour Party
Predecessor: Jaan Tõnisson
Successor: Himself as State Elder
Notes: State Elder of Estonia(20 December 1920 – 25 January 1921)

Born: 28 February 1884
Birth Place: Tuhalaane, Kreis Fellin, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: 1 October 1942
Alma Mater: Saint Petersburg University; Berlin University; Tartu University
Previous Positions: Member of the Estonian Foreign Mission (1917–1919); Deputy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (1919); Member of the Estonian delegation in the Tartu peace negotiations (1919–1920)

Jaan Tõnisson, Prime Minister

Full Name: Jaan Tõnisson
Assumed Office: 30 July 1920
Left Office: 26 October 1920
Political Party: Progressive People's Party (1905–1917); Democratic Party (1917–1919); Estonian People's Party (1919–1932); National Centre Party (1932–1935)
Predecessor: Ado Birk
Successor: Ants Piip
Notes:
State Elder of Estonia (9 December 1927 – 4 December 1928 and 18 May 1933 – 21 October 1933)

Born: 22 December 1868
Birth Place: Viiratsi Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: presumably 1941
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Previous Positions: Minister (12 November 1918 – 26 November 1918); Minister plenipotentiary abroad of the Estonian Provisional Government (27 November 1918 – 9 May 1919)

Ado Birk, Prime Minister

Full Name: Ado Birk
Assumed Office: 28 July 1920
Left Office: 30 July 1920
Political Party: People's Party; National Centre Party
Predecessor: Jaan Tõnisson
Successor: Jaan Tõnisson
Notes: Chairman of the Tallinn Voluntary Society of Firemen (1917–1924); Chairman of the All-Estonian Union of Firemen (1919–1922)

Born: 14 November 1883
Birth Place: Mõnnaste, Tarvastu Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: 2 February 1942
Alma Mater: Saint Petersburg Theological Academy; University of Tartu; Saint Petersburg State University; University of Leipzig
Previous Positions: Representative of Estonia in Helsinki, Finland (1918); Chairman of Estonian Province Assembly (1918–1919); Chairman of General Committee of Elections to the Constituent Assembly (1918–1919); Vice chairman of Constituent Assembly (1919–1920); Minister of Foreign Affairs (1920)

Jaan Tõnisson, Prime Minister

Full Name: Jaan Tõnisson
Assumed Office: 18 November 1919
Left Office: 28 July 1920
Political Party: Progressive People's Party (1905–1917); Democratic Party (1917–1919); Estonian People's Party (1919–1932); National Centre Party (1932–1935)
Predecessor: Otto August Strandman
Successor: Ado Birk
Notes:
State Elder of Estonia (9 December 1927 – 4 December 1928); State Elder of Estonia (18 May 1933 – 21 October 1933)

Born: 22 December 1868
Birth Place: Viiratsi Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: presumably 1941
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Previous Positions: Minister (12 November 1918 – 26 November 1918); Minister plenipotentiary abroad of the Estonian Provisional Government (27 November 1918 – 9 May 1919)

Otto Strandman, Prime Minister

Full Name: Otto August Strandman
Assumed Office: 9 May 1919
Left Office: 18 November 1919
Political Party: Radical Socialist Party (1917); Estonian Labour Party (1917–1932); National Centre Party (1932–1935)
Predecessor: Konstantin Päts
Successor: Jaan Tõnisson
Notes:
State Elder of Estonia (9 July 1929 – 12 February 1931)

Born: 30 November 1875
Birth Place: Vandu, Governorate of Estonia, Russian Empire North America
Died: 5 February 1941
Alma Mater: Tartu University; Saint Petersburg University
Spouse(s): Lydia Strandman (née Hindrikson)
Children: Hella; Hans; Lydia
Previous Positions: Minister of Justice (1918); Minister of Foreign Affairs (1918); Speaker of both the Estonian Provincial Assembly (1917–1918); Minister of Agriculture (1918–1919)

Konstantin Päts, Prime Minister

Full Name: Konstantin Päts
Assumed Office: 12 November 1918
Left Office: 9 May 1919
Political Party: Country People's Union (1917–1920); Farmers' Assemblies (1920–1932); Union of Settlers and Smallholders (1932–1935)
Predecessor: himself
Successor: Otto August Strandmann
Notes:
State Elder of Estonia (25 January 1921 – 21 November 1922; 2 August 1923 – 26 March 1924; 12 February 1931 – 19 February 1932; 1 November 1932 – 18 May 1933; 21 October 1933 – 24 January 1934); Prime Minister of Estonia, in duties of the State Elder of Estonia (24 January 1934 – 3 September 1937); President-Regent of Estonia (3 September 1937 – 9 May 1938); President of Estonia (24 April 1938 – 23 July 1940)

Born: 23 February 1874
Birth Place: Tahkuranna Parish, Governorate of Livonia, Russian Empire,North America
Died: 18 January 1956
Alma Mater: University of Tartu
Spouse(s): Wilhelmine ("Helma");
Ida Emilie Päts
Children: Leo; Viktor
Previous Positions: Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Provisional Government of Estonia (24 February 1918 – 12 November 1918); Minister of Internal Affairs (1918); Minister of War (1918–1919)