According to the law, the spouse of the Estonian head of state receives an official allowance during the president's term, which is 30 percent of the president's salary. After the term, it is 20 percent. Currently, the allowance during the term is 3,071.91 euros per month. After the term, it is 2,047.94 euros.
Allowances are received by President Alar Karis’s spouse, Sirje Karis; President Kersti Kaljulaid’s spouse, Rene Maksimovski; and President Toomas Hendrik Ilves’s spouse, Ieva Ilves. Evelin Ilves and Lauri Madis do not receive allowances.
Ingrid Rüütel receives separate financial support because she is the widow of former president Arnold Rüütel. She receives 3,839.89 euros per month. Additionally, she has access to a state car and services.
Former presidents receive an official pension, which is 75 percent of the president’s salary. This amounts to 7,679.78 euros per month. Currently, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, Kersti Kaljulaid, and Alar Karis receive this pension.
Ieva Ilves receives an allowance because she is still married to Toomas Hendrik Ilves. She receives 25 percent of the president’s salary. She says this is fair.
Ieva Ilves was the president’s spouse for nine months. She says it was a difficult time but also interesting. She fulfilled the role of the president’s spouse and continued her work. She spoke about her experiences and sense of responsibility.
Ieva Ilves says the role of the president’s spouse is not clearly defined. She considers it part of democracy. She emphasized that it is a great responsibility.
Ieva Ilves also talked about the criticism she received. She said she learned not to take it personally. She did not follow the media closely, which helped her.
Ieva Ilves continued working in Latvia and declined financial support. She understood that it is impossible to please everyone. She participated in public activities that were important to her.
Ieva Ilves says that Estonia is important to her. She works in the field of digital technology and shares Estonia’s experiences globally. She is proud of Estonia’s progress. She feels connected to Estonia.