Ernestas Galvanauskas

Ernestas Galvanauskas (born November 20, 1882 in Zizonys near Biržai; died July 24, 1967 in Aix-les-Bains, France) was a Lithuanian engineer, politician and one the founders of the Lithuanian Peasants' Union (which later merged with the Lithuanian Popular Peasants' Union). He also served twice as Prime Minister of Lithuania.

Biography

1902 Galvanauskas finished gymnasium in Mintauja, later studied in St. Petersburg mining institute. In 1905 he was active in revolutionary activity in Lithuania, founded Lithuanian Peasants' Union. Later he was elected as delegate to the Great Seimas of Vilnius

1906-1919 he was living in Finland, Belgium where finished his studies and received mining engineer diploma. 1919 he was assigned as member of delegation during Peace conference in Paris. In October 1919 Galvanauskas was assigned as Prime Minister of Lithuania, and held the office until April 1920. During the time he also held offices of Finance, Trade and Industry minister. He was minister in various offices until 1922. In 1921 Galvanauskas was assigned to the League of Nations, where he sought international recognition of Lithuania.

Since February 1922 until June 1924 Galvanauskas took office of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Galvanauskas cabinet established University of Lithuania in 1923.

Klaipėda years

Galvanauskas was also active in preparing Klaipėda revolt. Galvanauskas himself was leading Lithuanian delegation during negotiations in Paris, that decided future of Klaipėda Region.

1924 - 1927 Galvanauskas was Lithuanian ambassador in London. After the coup he resigned, and left to Klaipėda where he devoted himself to teaching and social activities. 1927-1928 he was chairman of Klaipėda port board, Klaipėda teachers society chairman, and in 1934-1939 he was rector of Klaipėda Commerce Institute, that was established by Galvanauskas himself. He reorganized Klaipėda woodworking industry, founded building company, that built ppartments for workers, founded Klaipėda Trade School. He was member of the publishing house "Rytas" board, and first editor of newspaper "Vakarai".

1939-1940 he took Minister of Finances office, and after Soviet occupation left to Klaipėda. 1941 Nazi arrested him and sent to exile.

Exile

In the end of 1946 Galvanauskasbecame heado of Supreme Lithuanian Liberation Comitee. In 1947 he left to Madagascar and founded there Commerce and Industry courses, and was lecturing there. in 1963 Galvanauskas moved to France.

Publications

* „Valstija ir mokesčiai” 1909,
* „Pologne et Lithuanie”, 1923,
* „Atsiminimai” 1925

External links

*lt icon [http://www.lrv.lt/buvusios_vyr/ankstesni_MP/E.Galvanauskas.htm Short bio]
*lt icon [http://ausis.gf.vu.lt/mg/nr/2002/078/078ped.html More expanded bio]