Irena Degutienė facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Irena Degutienė
Degutienė in 2012
Deputy Speaker of the Seimas
In office 16 November 2012 – 13 November 2020
Speaker of the Seimas
In office 17 September 2009 – 14 September 2012
Preceded by	Arūnas Valinskas
Succeeded by	Vydas Gedvilas
First Deputy Speaker of the Seimas
In office 20 November 2008 – 16 September 2009
Preceded by	Algis Čaplikas
Succeeded by	Raimondas Šukys
Prime Minister of Lithuania Acting
In office 27 October 1999 – 3 November 1999
President	Valdas Adamkus
Preceded by	Rolandas Paksas
Succeeded by	Andrius Kubilius
In office 4 May 1999 – 18 May 1999
President	Valdas Adamkus
Preceded by	Gediminas Vagnorius
Succeeded by	Rolandas Paksas
Minister for Social Security and Labour
In office 4 December 1996 – 27 October 2000
Prime Minister	Gediminas Vagnorius
Preceded by	Mindaugas Mikaila
Succeeded by	Vilija Blinkevičiūtė
Member of Seimas
In office 14 November 2016 – 13 November 2020
Constituency	Multi-member
In office 15 November 2004 – 14 November 2016
Preceded by	Vytautas Kvietkauskas
Succeeded by	Žygimantas Pavilionis
Constituency	Naujamiestis
In office 25 November 1996 – 14 November 2004
Constituency	Multi-member
Personal details
Born	(1949-06-01)1 June 1949 Šiauliai, Lithuania
Political party	Homeland Union
Spouse	Gediminas Degutis
Alma mater	Vilnius University

Irena Degutienė was born on June 1, 1949, in Lithuania. She is a well-known Lithuanian politician. She belongs to a political group called the Homeland Union.

Irena Degutienė has held many important roles in the Lithuanian government. She was the Speaker of Seimas (which is like the head of Lithuania's parliament) and also served as an acting Prime Minister of Lithuania twice. She was also the Minister for Social Security and Labour.

Before becoming a politician, she studied medicine. In 1978, she graduated from Vilnius University. For nearly 20 years, she worked as a doctor at the Vilnius Red Cross Hospital. Later, in 1994, she became a secretary in the Ministry of Health.

She was first elected to the Seimas (Lithuania's parliament) in 1996. Irena Degutienė made history by becoming the first woman to be the Speaker of Seimas in Lithuania.

Political Career

Early Roles

Irena Degutienė started her political journey in 1996. She became the Minister for Social Security and Labour. She held this position from December 1996 to October 2000. In this role, she helped manage important issues like social support and jobs for people in Lithuania.

Acting Prime Minister

She served as the acting Prime Minister of Lithuania two times. The first time was from May 4 to May 18, 1999. The second time was from October 27 to November 3, 1999. An "acting" Prime Minister steps in temporarily when the main Prime Minister is not available.

Speaker of Seimas

One of her most significant roles was being the Speaker of Seimas. She held this position from September 17, 2009, to September 14, 2012. The Speaker leads the meetings of the Seimas and represents the parliament. As mentioned, she was the first woman to ever hold this high office in Lithuania.

Deputy Speaker of Seimas

After being the Speaker, she became the Deputy Speaker of the Seimas. She served in this role from November 16, 2012, until November 13, 2020. The Deputy Speaker helps the Speaker and can take over their duties when needed.

Honours

National Recognition

Irena Degutienė has received a special award from her country. On July 6, 2019, she was given the Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great. This is one of the highest honours in Lithuania. It is given to people who have done great things for the country.