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Adored and Respected Leader: The Late President Lennart Meri

Estonian Statesman, Lennart Meri, would mark his 90th birthday on March 29, 2019. A true pillar of Estonian politics, he was one of the architects of the nation's remarkable post-occupation revival and a statesman widely admired by every Estonian.

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Venerated Estonian Statesman Lennart Meri, birthday anniversary on March 29, 2019, would've marked...
Venerated Estonian Statesman Lennart Meri, birthday anniversary on March 29, 2019, would've marked his 90th year; a key figure in the republic's triumphant post-occupation narrative, he was among the nation's most esteemed politicians.

Adored and Respected Leader: The Late President Lennart Meri

On March 29th, a day notorious for a powerful Statesman's birth, my best mate parties alongside a celebrated figure - Lennart Meri. I fondly refer to this day not as a birthday, but as Lennart Meri's birthday. Such high regard for Meri, who served as Estonia's former president and foreign minister, is testament to his true mensch-like characteristics.

I remember sending Lennart Meri an email congratulating him on his re-election in 1996, expecting it to merely gather dust in some forgotten inbox. Surprisingly, a reply came not from an official address but his personal email addressed to [email protected], a simple but meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about the man.

To most Estonians, Meri remains the most admired and respected politician of all time. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former president and a close associate of Meri, attributes this popularity to Meri's willingness to critique the government, a move that Ilves believes fueled his public approval.

Meri, however, was not your typical politician. He transitioned seamlessly between pursuits, free from political affiliations. As foreign minister, he served under Edgar Savisaar, leader of the Centre Party; yet he was the preferred candidate of the Pro Patria Alliance following his presidential election.

Throughout his life, Meri was a writer and filmmaker, traveling extensively during the Soviet occupation, where he fostered relationships with politicians, journalists, and expats. His history with Estonia's occupation taught him the importance of raising global awareness about Estonia's suppressed identity.

Perhaps Meri's most revered work is his novel "Silver White", a philosophical exploration of Estonia's past and the history of Baltic Sea nations. As the quintessential Estonian intellectual, his contributions remain a cornerstone of the nation's historical discourse.

Meri's career took a political turn in the late 1970s, when he worked tirelessly to remind the free world of Estonia's existence and occupation by the Soviet Union. An anecdote from president Ilves recounts a memorable first meeting and Meri's insistence on smoking his Marlboros.

Upon Edgar Savisaar's invitation in 1990, Meri entered the realm of politics as foreign minister, burdened with the task of rebuilding Estonia's foreign service after half a century of Soviet occupation. Meri's].political ideology was rooted in pragmatism and a belief in creative, active problem-solving rather than bureaucratic inertia.

When Meri left his position as foreign minister in 1992 and accepted the ambassadorship to Finland, several disagreements with his successor, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, were unavoidable. Despite these differences, Meri's lasting impact on Estonia's foreign service must never be understated. His work ethic, passion, and unique approach continue to inspire future generations of diplomats.

The Estonian foreign service retains its signature style, born from Meri's guiding principles and cultivated by its bright, patriotic employees. A discussion with Clyde Kull, current deputy chief of the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, paints a vivid picture of Meri's extensive influence on the evolving foreign service.

As foreign minister, Meri attracted talented, ambitious individuals who shared a sense of nationalism. These new recruits impacted the foreign service in numerous ways, forging a stronger, more effective network of diplomats.

The Estonian foreign service is often considered one of the best foreign services of small countries, boasting exceptional talent unlike any other. According to Ilves, Meri's foresight in inviting the best minds marked a major milestone in Estonian foreign policy, successfully steering the country towards a bright future.

As with any great leader, Meri faced numerous challenges and disagreements. However, these setbacks did little to deter him from achieving his vision for Estonia. Kull recalls late-night phone conversations with Meri, craving input and ideas as he crafted his speeches and policies. This tenacity, combined with his dedication to elevating Estonia's global standing, cemented Meri's legacy as a visionary in his time.

Lennart Meri's impact on Estonia extended far beyond his political career. As an esteemed intellectual, Meri's literary contributions to understanding Estonia's past and identity played a crucial role in fostering national pride.

Following Meri's passing in 2006, tributes and expressions of love poured in from Estonia and around the world. Even for those who had lost touch with their emotional side, Meri's death touched a deep, personal nerve, reflecting his profound impact on his fellow citizens.

In memoriam, the Lennart Meri Conference is held annually in Tallinn, highlighting various aspects of security and foreign policy issues, thereby continuing Meri's legacy of diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation in sometimes challenging geopolitical environments. Estonia owes its strong, enduring international presence to the indomitable spirit of Lennart Meri, who truly was a Statesman with a capital S.

References: [1] https://news.err.ee/834811/opinion-the-lasting-legacy-of-lennart-meri-in-estonian-foreign-policy[2] http://www.istoria.ee/portal/a/raamat/poliitika/lennart-meri-kandekordipoole-siis-eles-vaartasistses-ereses-kultuuritesis/[3] https://www.edilk.ee/2015/03/26/lennart-meri-and-fight-for-ties/[4] https://www.lennartmerifoundation.org/conference/

  1. The Estonian government continues to emphasize the importance of Lennart Meri's leadership in shaping Estonia's foreign policy and cultural identity.
  2. The Estonian Foreign Ministry, under Meri's guidance, has been instrumental in raising global awareness about Estonia's independence and history.
  3. As Estonia's former president and foreign minister, Lennart Meri's influence extended beyond politics, affecting the nation's finance, business, and general-news landscapes.
  4. The Estonian Embassy in Tallinn serves as a testament to Meri's diplomatic legacy, fostering ties with foreign nations and promoting Estonian culture.
  5. Meri's novel "Silver White" is a key piece of Estonia's cultural history, shedding light on the nation's past and the history of Baltic Sea nations.
  6. The general public admires and respects Meri, considering him the most admired and respected politician of all time in Estonia.
  7. Lennart Meri's unique approach to problem-solving and active diplomacy has been a guiding principle for the Estonian Foreign Service, inspiring future generations of diplomats.
  8. Clyde Kull, the current deputy chief of the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU, often speaks of Meri's extensive influence on the evolving foreign service and his lasting impact on Estonia's international presence.

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