Jüri Ratas entered the political sphere at age 27, serving as the mayor of Tallinn from 2005 to 2007. Born in 1978 in Tallinn, Estonia, he built a career that spanned municipal governance, parliamentary leadership, and two terms as Prime Minister, navigating complex coalition arrangements and public scrutiny during a volatile period in Baltic national politics.
Early Career and Education
Before entering politics, Ratas pursued academic training in both economics and law, graduating from the Tallinn University of Technology and the University of Tartu. He attended the Tallinn Nõmme Upper Secondary School during his youth. Beyond his academic and administrative roles, he maintained an active interest in basketball.
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Ratas served as Prime Minister of Estonia from 2016 to 2021, leading two distinct cabinets. His first term began in November 2016 following the collapse of Taavi Rõivas's government. His second administration, formed in 2019, drew significant international attention and internal party criticism for including the right-wing populist party EKRE. During this tenure, the national budget shifted from surplus to deficit, prompting warnings from European authorities.
Resignation and Parliamentary Roles
In January 2021, Ratas resigned from the premiership following a criminal investigation into the Centre Party involving influence peddling allegations concerning businessman Hillar Teder. While he denied personal involvement, he stepped down to accept political responsibility. He subsequently served as President of the Riigikogu from 2021 to 2023, continuing his long-standing parliamentary service as a member of the Riigikogu during various sessions between 2011 and 2024.
Awards and Recognition
Ratas has been the recipient of several international honors. These include the Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania (2021), the Order of the Three Stars, 2nd Class (2019), and the Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau (2018). He also holds the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 2nd class (2022) and the Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd Class (2021).
Fast facts
- Born: 1978, Tallinn, Estonia
- Prime Minister of Estonia: 2016-2021
- Mayor of Tallinn: 2005-2007
- Education: University of Tartu, Tallinn University of Technology
- Member of European Parliament: 2024
- Religion: Christianity
Questions readers ask
Why did Jüri Ratas resign as Prime Minister in 2021?
He resigned to accept political responsibility after the Prosecutor General suspected his party of criminal involvement in an influence peddling scandal.
What international awards has he received?
His decorations include the Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania, the Order of the Three Stars, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau.
Achievements
- member of the Riigikogu (2015–2016)
- Prime Minister of Estonia (2016–2021)
- mayor of Tallinn (2005–2007)
- member of the Riigikogu (from 2007)
- Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, 2nd class — 2022
- Order of the National Coat of Arms, 2nd Class — 2021
- Order of the Three Stars, 2nd Class — 2019
- Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau — 2018
- Educated at Tallinn University of Technology and University of Tartu
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