Estonia: Heads of State: 1937-1940
| Riigihoidja | State Protector [1] | |
| 3 Sep 1937 - 24 Apr 1938 | Konstantin Päts |
| Vabariigi President | President of the Republic | |
| 24 Apr 1938 - 21 Jul 1940 | Konstantin Päts [2] |
| Vabariigi Presidendi ülesannetes | Acting President of the Republic [3] | |
| 21 Jul 1940 - 25 Aug 1940 | Johannes Vares [4] |
- From 1 Jan 1938 pending the election and installation of a Vabariigi President.
- The instruments of transfer of presidential duties to Prime Minister (Vares) and his acceptance of office were signed at about 23:00 21 Jul 1940. Both documents were not made public as the issue of Official Gazette bearing these acts was withdrawn from circulation. A resolution of Riigivolikogu terminating the tenure of Päts was passed 23 Jul 1940, followed by another act of acceptance signed by Vares at about 17:00 23 Jul 1940.
- Normally as part of the formula Peaminister, Vabariigi Presidendi ülesannetes (Prime Minister, Acting President of the Republic) in promulgating legislative acts. Also in limited official use: Vabariigi Presidendi ülesandeis.
- Always referred to as Vares-Barbarus (literary byname: Barbarus).