Valdas Adamkus
Valdas Adamkus (Lithuanian: [ˈvɐ̂ˑɫdɐs ɐˈdɐmˑkʊs] ⓘ; born Voldemaras Adamkavičius; 3 November 1926) is a Lithuanian politician, diplomat and civil engineer who served as the fifth and seventh president of Lithuania from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2009.
Valdas Adamkus | |
|---|---|
Adamkus in 2010 | |
| 5th and 7th President of Lithuania | |
| In office 12 July 2004 – 12 July 2009 | |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Artūras Paulauskas (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Dalia Grybauskaitė |
| In office 26 February 1998 – 26 February 2003 | |
| Prime Minister | |
| Preceded by | Algirdas Brazauskas |
| Succeeded by | Rolandas Paksas |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Voldemaras Adamkavičius 3 November 1926 Kaunas, Lithuania |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | |
| Alma mater | University of Munich Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Profession | Civil engineer, civil servant |
| Signature | |
Adamkus' first tenure as president lasted for five years, from 26 February 1998 to 28 February 2003, following his defeat by Rolandas Paksas in the 2003 presidential election. Paksas was later impeached and removed from office by a parliamentary vote on 6 April 2004. Soon afterwards, when a new election was announced, Adamkus again ran for president and was re-elected. His approval ratings increased during this period and become a highly regarded moral authority in the state. He was succeeded as president on 12 July 2009 by Dalia Grybauskaitė. He is considered by some as being one of the best Lithuanian leaders in modern history.
He was married to Alma Adamkienė, who was involved in charitable activities in Lithuania. Following the end of his term as president, Adamkus remained involved in international development, and is a member of the European Academy of Diplomacy.