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Gediminas KirkilasLithuanian politician; Prime Minister of Lithuania since 18 July 2006.
Date of Birth: 30.08.1951
Country:  Lithuania |
Content:
- Gediminas Kirkilas: A Lithuanian Statesman
- Political Career Beginnings
- Democratic Labor Party and Social Democratic Party
- Parliamentary Service
- Prime Minister of Lithuania
- Personal Life
Gediminas Kirkilas: A Lithuanian Statesman
Early Life and EducationGediminas Kirkilas was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1951 as the eldest of five siblings. After graduating from Vilnius High School No. 23, he served in the Soviet Navy from 1969 to 1972. Subsequently, he pursued a career as an architectural restorer, specializing in interior gilding and conservation. Concurrently, he completed a correspondence degree from Vilnius Pedagogical University and studied at the Vilnius Higher Party School.
Political Career Beginnings
With the restoration of Lithuania's independence, Kirkilas became a prolific political commentator, publishing over 900 articles. He also released a book of political essays and interviews. In 1982, he joined the Communist Party of Lithuania, serving as an instructor and later as an assistant to the party's first secretary, Algirdas Brazauskas.
Democratic Labor Party and Social Democratic Party
In 1990, Kirkilas became a founding member of the Democratic Labor Party of Lithuania (LLDP). He held various leadership positions within the party, including deputy chairman, first deputy chairman, and acting chairman. From 1991 to 1995, he also served as editor of the Russian-language newspaper "Voice of Lithuania." After the LLDP merged with the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania (LSDP), Kirkilas became deputy chairman of the LSDP in 2001.
Parliamentary Service
Kirkilas was elected to the Lithuanian Parliament on four occasions (1992-1996, 1996-2000, 2000-2004, and 2004-2008). He held prominent positions in the Parliament, including chairman of the Committees on National Security, Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and National Security and Defense. He was instrumental in developing Lithuania's national security concept.
Prime Minister of Lithuania
On July 4, 2006, Kirkilas was appointed Prime Minister of Lithuania by President Valdas Adamkus. He took office on July 18, after his government's program was approved by the Parliament. As Prime Minister, Kirkilas oversaw Lithuania's entry into the Eurozone and the implementation of several social welfare reforms.
Personal Life
Gediminas Kirkilas is married to Liudmila Kirkilienė, the head of the secretariat of the Lithuanian Railways company. They have two children: son Rolandas and daughter Diana. Kirkilas enjoys playing tennis, cycling, and collecting pipes. He is fluent in English and Russian.
