Hennadiy Kernes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hennadiy Kernes
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Геннадій Кернес
Геннадий Кернес |
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| 5th Mayor of Kharkiv | |
| In office 24 November 2010 – 17 December 2020 |
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| Preceded by | Mykhailo Dobkin |
| Succeeded by | Ihor Terekhov (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 June 1959 Kharkiv, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union (now Ukraine) |
| Died | 17 December 2020 (aged 61) Berlin, Germany |
| Cause of death | COVID-19 |
| Political party | Kernes Bloc — Successful Kharkiv |
| Other political affiliations |
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| Occupation | Legislator |
| Signature |  |
| Website | Official mayoral website: http://kernes.com.ua/ |
Hennadiy Adolfovych Kernes (born June 27, 1959 – died December 17, 2020) was an important Ukrainian politician. He served as the Mayor of Kharkiv, a major city in Ukraine, from 2010 until his passing in 2020. He played a big role in the city's development during his time as mayor.
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Early Life and Education
Hennadiy Kernes was born in Kharkiv, which was then part of the Soviet Union. His parents were Adolf Lazarevych Kernes and Anna Abramovna. He worked at the Kharkiv plant "Miner's Light" starting in 1977.
He studied at the National University "Yaroslav the Wise Law Academy of Ukraine", earning a degree in law. Later, he also got a degree in public administration from Kharkiv National University of Economics.
Career Before Politics
Before becoming a politician, Hennadiy Kernes worked in various businesses. From 1992 to 1994, he managed a company called Acceptor. After that, he was the chairman of CJSC NPK-Holding until 1999.
He also worked as a first deputy director for the Kharkiv branch of Trading House Gas of Ukraine. He then returned to NPK-Holding as CEO until 2006.
Becoming a Leader: Kernes's Political Journey
Hennadiy Kernes first entered politics in 1998. He was elected to the Kharkiv City Council and served there for three terms. From April to May 2002, he was the secretary of the Kharkiv City Council. He also started and led a group in the City Council called "New Kharkiv - New Opportunities."
In 2004, he showed support for the Orange Revolution, a series of protests in Ukraine. He spoke out against some actions taken by the regional governor at the time. In 2006, he was re-elected to the Kharkiv City Council. He became the secretary of the City Council again in April 2006.
When Mykhailo Dobkin became the head of the Kharkiv regional government in 2010, Kernes took over as the acting mayor of Kharkiv. Later that year, he ran for mayor of Kharkiv in the local elections. He won the election by a small number of votes. On November 24, 2010, he officially became the Mayor of Kharkiv.
During the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine in 2013 and 2014, Kernes was seen as supporting the government at the time. After the protests, he was accused of certain actions related to the events in Kharkiv. However, he later changed his stance and began to support a united Ukraine. In March 2014, he said he had been "a prisoner of Yanukovych's system" and looked forward to good things from the new government.
Challenging Times and Re-election
On April 28, 2014, Hennadiy Kernes was shot in the back while hiking. The injury was very serious, but doctors performed emergency surgery and saved his life. He was then flown to Israel for more medical care.
While recovering, Kernes said he was "making a quick recovery." He also stated, "I'm in favor of Kharkiv remaining part of Ukraine, and therefore in favor of seeing her flourish." He returned to Kharkiv on June 17, 2014, and used a wheelchair after the incident. He continued to express his belief that "Kharkiv was, is, and will be part of a single and indivisible Ukraine." He also believed that Crimea would return to Ukraine.
In October 2015, Kernes ran for mayor of Kharkiv again. He was re-elected in the first round with a large majority of the votes (65.8%). In June 2020, he announced he would run for re-election once more under his new political party, Kernes Bloc — Successful Kharkiv.
Hennadiy Kernes: His Final Years and Legacy
Hennadiy Kernes's last public appearance was on Kharkiv City Day, August 23, 2020. In September, it was confirmed that he was on sick leave due to a COVID-19 infection.
On September 17, 2020, Kernes was taken to a hospital in Germany for treatment for COVID-19. He did not appear in public after that. Despite his illness, he won the Kharkiv mayoral election on October 25, 2020, with 60.34% of the votes. On December 9, 2020, Kernes was sworn in as Mayor of Kharkiv without being physically present.
Sadly, on December 17, 2020, Hennadiy Kernes passed away in Berlin due to complications from COVID-19. Kharkiv held a day of mourning to honor him. His funeral ceremony took place on December 23, 2020, at Kharkiv's Annunciation Cathedral, Kharkiv. He was buried at Kharkiv's 2nd city cemetery, where many famous Kharkiv residents are laid to rest.
Beyond Politics: Kernes's Personal Life
Hennadiy Kernes was a father of three children, including his stepson. He was known for his love of animals, owning 27 dogs, various birds, and other pets. He lived in a Kharkiv hotel since 2007.
His Instagram account was quite popular and unique. Kernes once said, "Of all the mayors, my Instagram account is the best." He was also known for encouraging a healthier lifestyle.
Since 1998, Kernes was a close friend of Mykhailo Dobkin, who was also a mayor of Kharkiv and governor of Kharkiv Oblast. A video from 2007 showing Kernes instructing Dobkin became very famous in Ukraine and even led to some national catchphrases. In 2016, following new rules for public officials, Kernes declared that he owned more than $1.6 million in cash.
Recognitions and Awards
Hennadiy Kernes received several awards for his work and contributions:
- The Order of Merit third class (July 5, 2012) – This award recognized his important role in preparing for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship final in Ukraine. It also honored his success in building new infrastructure, keeping public safety, and improving Ukraine's reputation internationally.
- The Kharkiv regional state administration certificate.
- The Badge of Honor 'Slobozhyanskaya Slava', for his hard work during the 350th anniversary of Kharkiv's founding.
- The Medal '60th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk'.
- The Medal 'For active participation in the veteran's movement'.
- The XVII annual award 'Person of the Year 2012' in the category of 'City Head of the Year'.
See also
In Spanish: Hennadiy Kernes para niños
- List of mayors of Kharkiv
