Lennart Meri was an Estonian statesman, writer, and film director who served as the second President of Estonia from 1992 to 2001. Born in Tallinn on March 29, 1929, he was the son of Ants Meri, a prominent Estonian diplomat, and Elisabeth Meri, a teacher.
In 1944, Meri's family fled the Soviet occupation of Estonia and settled in Stockholm, Sweden, where Meri attended secondary school and later worked as a journalist for a Swedish radio station. In 1948, Meri enrolled at the University of Tartu in Estonia, and in 1954, he graduated with a degree in history.
In the 1960s, Meri began to make documentary films that focused on the history and culture of Estonia. He wrote several books on Estonian folklore and culture, and in 1971, he was elected as a member of the Estonian Writers' Union.
During the late 1980s, Meri became an outspoken critic of the Soviet Union and an advocate for Estonian independence. He was elected to the Estonian Supreme Soviet in 1989, and in 1992, he became the first democratically-elected President of Estonia.
As President, Meri sought to restore Estonia's independence and promote its cultural heritage. He helped to negotiate the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Estonia and worked to gain international recognition for the country. He was also a champion of the Estonian language, working to protect the rights of the Estonian-speaking minority.
During his tenure, Meri also sought to promote economic growth and foreign investment in Estonia. He was successful in negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union, and he encouraged foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the country.
Meri served as President until 2001, when he was succeeded by Arnold Rüütel. He continued to work for Estonian independence, writing books and giving speeches throughout the world. He also received numerous honors and awards, including the Order of the White Star, the highest civilian award in Estonia.
Lennart Meri passed away on March 14, 2006, in Tallinn. He was remembered as a visionary leader and a champion of Estonian independence. His legacy continues to inspire Estonians and people around the world.
