Guntis Ulmanis emerged from the political isolation imposed by his family ties to become the fifth President of Latvia, serving from 1993 to 1999. Born in Riga in 1939, he transitioned from a career in economic planning and academia to lead the nation during a critical period following the restoration of independence.
Early Life and Exile
Born on 13 September 1939, Ulmanis experienced the volatility of the Soviet occupation. In 1941, he was deported to Krasnoyarsk Krai in Siberia. He returned to Latvia in 1946, settling in Ēdole. To escape further deportations in 1949, he used the surname Rumpītis, eventually reclaiming his birth surname in 1955. He completed his education at the University of Latvia and served two years in the Soviet army.
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Before his presidency, Ulmanis worked as an economist and in municipal administration in Riga. His career faced setbacks when his family relationship to former president Kārlis Ulmanis was exposed, leading to his dismissal from a city government position in 1971. He pivoted to teaching construction economics and economic planning at the Riga Polytechnical Institute and the University of Latvia. By 1989, he left the Communist Party and joined the Latvian Farmers' Union.
The Presidency
Elected in 1993, Ulmanis prioritized foreign policy and institutional integration. His tenure saw the successful negotiation of the treaty regarding the withdrawal of Russian Armed Forces from Latvian territory. He also oversaw Latvia joining the Council of Europe and submitting an application to the European Union. In 1998, he successfully campaigned for national amendments to the citizenship law via referendum.
Later Political Activity
After leaving office in 1999, Ulmanis remained involved in public life, chairing the Riga Castle reconstruction council and leading the Guntis Ulmanis Fund. He returned to formal politics in 2010 as a deputy of the Saeima, representing the For a Good Latvia alliance. He concluded his service as a deputy in November 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 September 1939, Riga
- Presidency: 1993–1999
- Education: University of Latvia
- Political Party: Latvian Farmers' Union
- Deputy of Saeima: 2010–2011
- Awards: Knight of the Order of the Elephant (1997)
- CEO of Dinamo Riga: 2015
Questions readers ask
What was a major legislative achievement during his presidency?
He oversaw the passage of amendments to the citizenship law through a national referendum in 1998.
Did he hold any teaching positions?
Yes, he taught construction economics at the Riga Polytechnical Institute and economic planning at the University of Latvia.
Achievements
- President of Latvia (1993–1999)
- deputy of Saeima (2010–2011)
- Order of the White Eagle (Third Polish Republic) — 1997
- Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Falcon
- Order of the Three Stars, 1st Class
- Educated at University of Latvia
