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Ernestas GalvanauskasLithuanian public and statesman
Date of Birth: 20.11.1882
Country:  Lithuania |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- University Studies Abroad
- Political and Public Career
- Diplomatic and Educational Roles
- Lithuanian National Committee and Emigration
- In 1944, Smetona emigrated from Lithuania and passed away in France.
Early Life and Education
Antanas Smetona received his primary education in Vabalninkai and attended a two-year real school in Panevėžys. He then completed his secondary education at the gymnasium in Jelgava (formerly Mitava).
University Studies Abroad
In 1902, Smetona began his studies at the Saint Petersburg Mining Institute, where he attended until 1904 and again from 1906 to 1908. He subsequently pursued his education in Liège, Belgium, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1913.
Political and Public Career
Minister-President and Other Ministerial PostsSmetona held various ministerial positions within the Lithuanian government. Notably, he served as Minister-President of the fifth cabinet and Minister of Finance, Trade, and Industry from October 1919 to June 1920. He also held the same ministerial portfolios in the sixth government led by Kazys Grinius from June 1920 to February 1922, with the additional responsibility of acting Minister of Communications.
In three successive governments from February 1922 to June 1924, Smetona once again served as Minister-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs. During this period, he also acted as Minister for Belarusian Affairs.
Diplomatic and Educational Roles
From 1924 to 1927, Smetona represented Lithuania in London. He then returned to Lithuania and chaired the board of the Klaipėda Port from 1927 to 1928. He also played a significant role in establishing a society providing affordable housing for Lithuanian workers in Klaipėda.
In 1934, Smetona became the first rector of the Klaipėda Commercial Institute, a position he held until 1939. During the government of Antanas Merkys from 1939 to 1940, he served as Minister of Finance and later acted as Minister of Communications.
Lithuanian National Committee and Emigration
Following the Soviet occupation of Lithuania in 1940, Smetona joined the Lithuanian National Committee, which was created by Lithuanian diplomats and the former president, Antanas Smetona, who had fled abroad. The committee aimed to become a Lithuanian government in exile but ultimately had little impact.
