Jüri Ratas

Jüri Ratas, born on July second, nineteen seventy-eight, is a prominent Estonian politician and former basketball player. He served as the Prime Minister of Estonia from two thousand sixteen to two thousand twenty-one and was the leader of the Centre Party during the same period, holding the position until two thousand twenty-three. Ratas also made his mark as the mayor of Tallinn from two thousand five to two thousand seven.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Ratas led two cabinets. His first cabinet operated from two thousand sixteen to two thousand nineteen, while his second cabinet, which lasted from two thousand nineteen to two thousand twenty-one, was marked by significant public scandals. This cabinet recorded the highest number of ministerial resignations in Estonian history, alongside numerous public apologies from Ratas, primarily due to the controversial actions and statements made by the coalition partner, the nationalist and right-wing populist EKRE party.

Ratas faced challenges during his leadership, including a shift in Estonia's national budget from surplus to deficit after years of financial stability. His administration was often in the spotlight for the provocative remarks made by EKRE, which included disparaging comments about international figures such as Sanna Marin and Joe Biden, compelling Ratas to issue apologies on their behalf.

In two thousand twenty-four, Ratas transitioned from the Centre Party to Isamaa, marking a significant shift in his political journey.