Iosif Vinskiy Ukrainian political and statesman. Date of Birth: 02.01.1956 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Education
2. Political Career in the Communist Party
3. Transition to the Socialist Party of Ukraine
4. Parliamentary Career
5. Break with the Socialist Party of Ukraine
6. Joining the All-Ukrainian Union "Batkivshchyna"

Early Life and Education

Iosif Vinsky was born on January 2, 1956, in the village of Loshkivtsi in the Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine. He received a higher education, graduating in 1977 from the Kamenets-Podilsky Agricultural Institute as an engineer-mechanic. He also completed the Higher Party School under the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Ukraine in 1990, earning a degree in political science.

Political Career in the Communist Party

Vinsky became a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1982. From 1981 to 1991, he held various positions in Komsomol (Young Communist League) and party organizations.

Transition to the Socialist Party of Ukraine

In October 1991, Vinsky joined the Socialist Party of Ukraine (SPU). He became the leader of the SPU's Khmelnytskyi regional organization and later the First Secretary of its Politburo. From May 2002 onwards, he served as the First Secretary of the SPU's Political Council.

Parliamentary Career

Vinsky was elected to the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, four times (II-V convocations). From 1998 to 2002, he was a member of the Budget Committee. From 2002 to 2006, he served as the Secretary of the Budget Committee.

Break with the Socialist Party of Ukraine

In July 2006, Vinsky resigned as First Secretary of the SPU's Political Council in protest against the party's decision to leave the "Orange" government coalition and join forces with the Communist Party of Ukraine and the Party of Regions. He accused the party leadership of betraying the interests of ordinary socialists.

Joining the All-Ukrainian Union "Batkivshchyna"

On January 17, 2007, Vinsky announced his membership in the All-Ukrainian Union "Batkivshchyna" party, led by Yulia Tymoshenko. He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the party, responsible for coordinating opposition deputies in the Verkhovna Rada and local councils.