Alberts Kviesis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alberts Kviesis
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 3rd President of Latvia | |
| In office 9 April 1930 – 11 April 1936 |
|
| Prime Minister | Hugo Celmiņš Kārlis Ulmanis Marģers Skujenieks Ādolfs Bļodnieks Kārlis Ulmanis |
| Preceded by | Gustavs Zemgals |
| Succeeded by | Kārlis Ulmanis |
| Minister of the Interior of Latvia | |
| In office 18 June 1921 – 25 January 1923 |
|
| Prime Minister | Zigfrīds Anna Meierovics |
| Preceded by | Arveds Bergs |
| Succeeded by | Pēteris Berģis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 December 1881 Tērvete parish, Latvia (part of the Russian Empire) |
| Died | 9 August 1944 (aged 62) Riga, Latvia (part of Reichskommissariat Ostland) |
| Resting place | Forest Cemetery, Riga |
| Political party | Latvian Farmers' Union |
| Spouse | Elza |
| Children | Ēriks |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
|
|
Alberts Kviesis (born December 22, 1881, died August 9, 1944) was an important Latvian politician. He served as the third President of Latvia. He was born in Tērvete Parish, which is in Latvia.
Contents
Alberts Kviesis: Latvia's Third President
Alberts Kviesis was a key figure in Latvia's early independence. He helped shape the country's laws and government. His journey from a young student to the nation's leader is quite interesting.
Early Life and Education
Alberts Kviesis was born in a place called Kalnamuiža in Tērvete. He learned a lot from his parents when he was young. Later, he went to the Jelgava Gymnasium for more schooling.
In 1902, he started studying law at Tartu University. He worked hard and finished his studies in 1907. After university, he became a lawyer in Jelgava. He also joined Latvian national groups and helped the Red Cross.
Becoming a Leader
Alberts Kviesis was very active in politics as Latvia became independent. In 1917, he joined a local assembly in Tartu. He was also chosen to be part of the Provisional Land Council of Kurzeme.
He became a delegate for the Tautas padome (People’s Council) of Latvia in 1918. As a lawyer, he helped create Latvia's new legal system. He became a member of the Court Chamber in 1919 and its chairman in 1923.
From 1921 to 1923, he was the Minister for the Interior. This meant he was in charge of internal affairs for the country. He was also a strong member of the Latvian Farmers' Union political party. He was elected to the Constitutional Assembly and the first three Saeimas (Latvian parliament). From 1926, he served as the Vice-Speaker of the Saeima.
His Time as President
Alberts Kviesis first tried to become president in 1927 but wasn't successful. In 1930, he ran again when the previous president, Gustavs Zemgals, decided not to seek another term.
On April 9, 1930, Kviesis was elected President of Latvia. He won after many rounds of voting in the Saeima. During his first term, he was known for not proposing new laws himself. He also never stopped a law passed by the Saeima.
He was re-elected for a second term on April 11, 1933.
Changes in Government
On May 15, 1934, something big happened. The Prime Minister, Kārlis Ulmanis, took control of the government. This event is sometimes called a coup d’état. President Kviesis, who was from the same political party as Ulmanis, didn't know about this plan beforehand.
During the event, Kviesis's communication lines at the Riga Castle were cut. He didn't try to stop the changes. Ulmanis told him that the Saeima was dissolved and the Constitution was suspended. Kviesis didn't protest and continued his duties. However, he no longer had real power. He signed all the laws that Ulmanis's new government passed.
A notable event during his second term was the opening of the Freedom Monument in Riga. This happened on November 18, 1935.
On March 19, 1936, Kviesis signed a law that said Ulmanis would become president after his term ended. This meant Ulmanis would hold both the Prime Minister and President roles. This law took effect when Kviesis left office on April 11, 1936. After this, Kviesis went back to being a lawyer.
Later Years
In 1940, the Soviet army occupied Latvia. Alberts Kviesis was not allowed to practice law. He was also put under house arrest. He managed to avoid being deported with many other people in June 1941 by hiding with his family.
During the German occupation of Latvia, he returned to his law practice. He worked as a legal consultant for the Latvian Self-Government. This government was under German control. From 1943 to 1944, he was the director for legal affairs in this administration.
In August 1944, as the German army was leaving, Kviesis was trying to board a German ship. He died of a heart attack while the ship was still in the harbor. He was buried at the Forest Cemetery in Riga.
