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Olafur GrimssonFifth President of Iceland.
Date of Birth: 14.05.1943
Country:  Iceland |
Content:
Biography of Olafur Grimsson
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, the fifth president of Iceland, was born on May 14, 1943, in Isafjordur. He came from a family of hairdressers, with his father being Grimur Kristgeirsson and his mother Swanhildur Olafsdottir Hjartar. In 1962, he graduated from a gymnasium in Reykjavik and then went on to study at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in economics and political science in 1965. He then became a professor of political science at the University of Iceland and served as a member of the Althing, the national parliament of Iceland.
Political Career
Grimsson's political career began in 1966 when he joined the Icelandic youth organization of the Progressive Party. He became a member of the left-leaning People's Alliance party in 1976. He served as a member of parliament from 1978 and led the parliamentary faction of the People's Alliance from 1980 to 1983. From 1981 to 1984, he was a member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Grimsson became the leader of the People's Alliance party in 1987 and held this position until 1995. During this time, he gained popularity through his political shows on radio and television and his articles in party publications.
In 1988 to 1991, Grimsson served as the Minister of Finance in the government of Steingrimur Hermannsson. During his tenure, he successfully reduced inflation and is considered the "father of economic stabilization" in Iceland.
Presidency
On June 26, 1996, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson was elected as the fifth president of the Republic of Iceland and assumed office on August 1. He represented the People's Alliance party in the elections, receiving 40.9 percent of the votes. In August 2000, he automatically assumed office for another term due to the absence of other candidates. In 2004, he won the presidential race with 67.5 percent of the votes, securing his third term. In 2008, he again remained in office due to the lack of other candidates. He took his final oath of office on August 1, 2008.
As the president of Iceland, Grimsson made history by vetoing a law passed by the Althing. He also made an official visit to Russia in 2002 and was awarded the Order of St. Vladimir (2nd degree) by the Russian Orthodox Church.
Personal Life
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson was married twice. He first married Gudrun Katrin Thorbergsdottir in the early 1970s. They had two twin daughters named Dalla and Tinna in 1975. Gudrun Katrin was a highly popular woman in Iceland, and it is said that her influence played a significant role in Grimsson's election as president. Unfortunately, she passed away from leukemia in 1998. Five years later, Grimsson entered into his second marriage with Dorrit Moussaieff, a native of Israel.
