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Valdis LauskisLatvian politician, teacher and athlete
Date of Birth: 29.04.1957
Country:  Latvia |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Political Career
- Foundation of the Latgale Democratic Party
- Mayor of Daugavpils
- Member of Parliament and Exit from LSDRP
- Later Political Activities
- Sports and Personal Life
- Lauskis is married and has three children.
Early Life and Education
Valdis Lauskis was born on April 29, 1957, in Daugavpils, Latvia. His parents were working-class industrialists. Lauskis attended Daugavpils Secondary School No. 1 and later graduated from the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of Daugavpils Pedagogical Institute.
Political Career
Initial Leadership RolesLauskis joined the Communist Party of Latvia (CPL). During the Perestroika period and the subsequent split in the CPL, he became the head of the Daugavpils city organization of the Independent Communist Party of Latvia, which later became the Democratic Labor Party.
Foundation of the Latgale Democratic Party
Lauskis was the founder and chairman of the Latgale Democratic Party. In 1999, the party merged with the Latvian Social Democratic Workers' Party (LSDRP). Lauskis subsequently became the LSDRP's Vice-Chairman in 1999 and Secretary-General in 2000.
Mayor of Daugavpils
On September 17, 1991, Lauskis was appointed head of the Daugavpils Temporary City Government by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Latvia. He held this position until June 8, 1994, until the local government elections on May 29. His party won three out of 15 seats in the elections, and A. A. Vidavsky became the Mayor.
Member of Parliament and Exit from LSDRP
Lauskis was a member of the 7th Saeima, where he led the LSDRP faction. He left the LSDRP on April 15, 2004.
Later Political Activities
In 2010, Lauskis was the Chairman of the Party of Social Justice and Co-Chairman of the "Atbildība" (Responsibility) union.
Sports and Personal Life
Lauskis played volleyball in school and joined the volleyball team of Donetsk after graduating from the institute. He holds the title of Master of Sports of the USSR in volleyball.
