Kersti Kaljulaid
Kersti Kaljulaid (Estonian pronunciation: [ˈkersti ˈkɑljuˈlɑi̯d]; born 30 December 1969) is an Estonian politician who served as the fifth president of Estonia between 2016 and 2021, and was its first and only female head of state since the country declared independence in 1918. She was also the youngest president, aged 46 at the time of her election.
Kersti Kaljulaid | |
|---|---|
Kaljulaid in 2018 | |
| President of Estonia | |
| In office 10 October 2016 – 11 October 2021 | |
| Prime Minister | Taavi Rõivas Jüri Ratas Kaja Kallas |
| Preceded by | Toomas Hendrik Ilves |
| Succeeded by | Alar Karis |
| Member of the European Court of Auditors | |
| In office 7 May 2004 – 30 September 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Juhan Parts |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 December 1969 Tartu, Estonia |
| Political party | Independent |
| Other political affiliations | Pro Patria Union (2001–2004) |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 4 |
| Relatives | Raimond Kaljulaid (half-brother) |
| Alma mater | University of Tartu |
Kaljulaid, a state official who at the time served as Estonia's representative in the European Court of Auditors, entered the 2016 Estonian presidential election race in the sixth round after five previous unsuccessful rounds. She was nominated on 30 September 2016 by the majority of parliamentary parties as a joint candidate for president, and the only official candidate for the sixth round. Kaljulaid was voted president on 3 October 2016, with 81 votes and 17 abstentions.