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 (born 1 June 1949) is an important politician from Lithuania. She is a member of the conservative Homeland Union political party. She has held many high-ranking positions in the Lithuanian government.

Irena Degutienė was the first woman in Lithuania's history to become the Speaker of Seimas. The Seimas is like Lithuania's parliament or main law-making body. She has also served as the acting Prime Minister of Lithuania twice.

Early Life and Education

Irena Degutienė was born on June 1, 1949, in Šiauliai, Lithuania. She chose to study medicine when she was younger.

In 1978, she graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in medicine. After finishing her studies, she worked as a doctor. For nearly twenty years, she worked at the Vilnius Red Cross Hospital.

From Medicine to Government

In 1994, Irena Degutienė decided to change her career path. She started working as a secretary in the Ministry of Health. This was her first step into government work.

Political Career Highlights

Irena Degutienė began her political journey in 1996. That year, she was first elected to the Seimas. Being a member of the Seimas means you help make laws for the country.

Serving as a Minister

From 1996 to 2000, Irena Degutienė served as the Minister for Social Security and Labour. In this role, she was in charge of important issues. These included helping people with social welfare and employment.

Acting Prime Minister of Lithuania

Irena Degutienė served as the acting Prime Minister of Lithuania two times. The Prime Minister is the head of the government.

Her first time as acting Prime Minister was from May 4 to May 18, 1999. Her second time was from October 27 to November 3, 1999. These were short but important periods.

Speaker of the Seimas

One of her most significant roles was as the Speaker of Seimas. She held this position from September 17, 2009, to September 14, 2012. As Speaker, she led the meetings of the Seimas. She also represented the parliament.

Irena Degutienė made history as the first woman to be Speaker of the Seimas. This was a big achievement for women in Lithuanian politics.

Deputy Speaker of the Seimas

After her time as Speaker, she continued to serve in the Seimas. She became the Deputy Speaker of the Seimas. She held this role from November 16, 2012, to November 13, 2020.

Honours and Awards

Irena Degutienė has received special recognition for her service to Lithuania.

National Honours

•  Lithuania Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great (6 July 2019): This is a very high award in Lithuania. It is given to people who have done great things for the country.