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Alexander LedidaUkrainian statesman and political figure
Date of Birth: 28.09.1957
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
- Vasyl Hirnyak: A Ukrainian Statesman
- Career in Industry
- Entry into Business and Politics
- Parliamentary and Regional Leadership
- Governor of Zakarpattia
- Return to Politics and Regional Representation
- Other Interests
Vasyl Hirnyak: A Ukrainian Statesman
Early Life and EducationVasyl Hirnyak was born on September 28, 1957, in the village of Barvinok in the Zakarpattia region of Ukraine. He completed his primary education in 1963 and secondary school in 1974, both in his hometown. Subsequently, he obtained a diploma in electronics from the Uzhhorod Technical College in 1980 and later graduated with a degree in economics from the Uzhhorod State University in 1989.
Career in Industry
Hirnyak began his professional journey in the industrial sector. In 1975, he worked as a fitter at the Uzhhorod Machine-Building Plant while concurrently studying at the Uzhhorod Technical College. After completing his military service, he resumed his employment at the plant.
From 1980 to 1984, Hirnyak held various roles in companies such as "Krasnoyarskhimles," "Yuzhtranstekhmontazh," and "Yuzgozaptransstroy." Upon returning to Uzhhorod, he served as a senior economist at the "Bolshevik" furniture factory until 1989.
Entry into Business and Politics
In 1991, Hirnyak established and became the director of the private enterprise "Latex." He later became involved in political and economic organizations, chairing the Zakarpattia Regional Branch of the Union of Entrepreneurs (2001-2002) and the Supervisory Board of the Mizhhirya Timber Mill (2002-2006).
His political career took a significant turn when he joined the Regional State Administration of Uzhhorod District in 1998. He rose through the ranks, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Uzhhorod District State Administration (1998-1999) and Deputy Chairman of the Zakarpattia Oblast State Administration (1999-2001).
Parliamentary and Regional Leadership
In the 2002 parliamentary elections, Hirnyak led the district headquarters of Viktor Yushchenko's "Our Ukraine" bloc. Subsequently, he became the Chairman of the Zakarpattia Regional Branch of the Party of Regions from February 2004. He served as a Member of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) from 2006 to 2007.
Governor of Zakarpattia
On March 18, 2010, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych appointed Hirnyak as Governor of Zakarpattia Oblast. During the Euromaidan Revolution in February 2014, Hirnyak resigned from his post and was officially dismissed on March 2, 2014.
Return to Politics and Regional Representation
Despite his resignation as Governor, Hirnyak remained active in politics. In the 2010 local elections, he was elected as a Regional Council member from the Party of Regions. He was re-elected in 2015 from the "Opposition Bloc" and again in 2020 from the "Za Budushche" party.
Other Interests
In addition to his political and business endeavors, Hirnyak has been a prominent figure in sports. He is the President of the "Karpaty Uzhhorod" handball club and Vice-President of the Handball Federation of Ukraine.
