Mikuláš Dzurinda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mikuláš Dzurinda
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Dzurinda in 2021
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| Prime Minister of Slovakia | |
| In office 30 October 1998 – 4 July 2006 |
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| President | |
| Preceded by | Vladimír Mečiar |
| Succeeded by | Robert Fico |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 8 July 2010 – 4 April 2012 |
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| Prime Minister | Iveta Radičová |
| Preceded by | Miroslav Lajčák |
| Succeeded by | Miroslav Lajčák |
| Acting President of Slovakia | |
| In office 30 October 1998 –
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| Preceded by | Vladimír Mečiar (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Rudolf Schuster |
| Minister of Transport, Post and Telecommunications | |
| In office 16 March 1994 – 13 December 1994 |
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| Prime Minister | Jozef Moravčík |
| Preceded by | Roman Hofbauer |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Rezeš |
| President of the Martens Centre | |
| Assumed office 3 December 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Wilfried Martens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 February 1955 Spišský Štvrtok, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) |
| Political party |
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| Spouse | Eva Dzurindová |
| Alma mater | University of Žilina |
Mikuláš Dzurinda (born 4 February 1955) is a well-known Slovak politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Slovakia for two terms, from 1998 to 2006. As Prime Minister, he led important changes in Slovakia. These changes helped Slovakia join big international groups like the European Union (EU) and NATO. He also started new political parties, like the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK) and later the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ–DS). After being Prime Minister, he also worked as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2012.
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Early Life and Political Beginnings
Mikuláš Dzurinda was born in a village called Spišský Štvrtok in eastern Slovakia. He studied at the College of Transport and Communications in Žilina, finishing in 1979. He continued his studies and earned a special degree in 1988. Before entering politics, he worked as an economic analyst and later as a director for the railways.
Dzurinda started his political journey in 1990. He was one of the people who helped create the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), which is a conservative political party. In 1991, he became the Deputy Minister of Transportation and Posts for the Slovak Government. The next year, in 1992, he became a member of the Slovak parliament. He worked on the committee that handled the country's money and budget. When Czechoslovakia split into two separate countries, Slovakia became independent in 1993. At that time, Dzurinda was a deputy leader of his party, focusing on economic matters. He also served as the Minister of Transportation for a short time in 1994.
Becoming Prime Minister: 1998–2002
In 1997, several opposition parties in Slovakia decided to work together. They formed the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK). Mikuláš Dzurinda became their spokesperson and later their leader. In October 1998, the SDK won the election, and Dzurinda became the Prime Minister for the first time. His government was made up of five different parties working together.
During his first time as Prime Minister, Slovakia made big steps forward. The country improved its relationships with the European Union and other important international groups. Slovakia also joined the OECD in 2000, which is a group of countries that work to improve the world economy. His government also helped bring major companies, like U.S. Steel, to invest in Slovakia. This helped create jobs and boost the economy.
In 2000, Dzurinda started a new political party called the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ). He continued to lead this party.
Second Term as Prime Minister: 2002–2006
Mikuláš Dzurinda's party won the election again in 2002, and he formed his second government. This government continued to make important changes. In 2004, Slovakia officially joined both NATO and the European Union. This was a very important moment for the country.
His government also worked to improve Slovakia's economy. They lowered the budget deficit, which is the difference between how much money the government spends and how much it takes in. This helped Slovakia prepare to join the Eurozone, which happened in 2009. The economy grew quickly, and more car companies like PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Kia started factories in Slovakia.
The World Bank even praised Dzurinda's government for being one of the best in the world at making market reforms. One big change was a "flat tax" of 19% for income and businesses. This made Slovakia an attractive place for investors. However, there were still challenges, especially in rural areas, and unemployment remained high for some time. In the 2006 election, Dzurinda's party did not win enough votes to form a new government.
After Being Prime Minister: 2006–2010
After his time as Prime Minister ended in 2006, Mikuláš Dzurinda continued to be a member of the Slovak parliament. He remained an important voice in the opposition.
Minister of Foreign Affairs: 2010–2012
In 2010, Mikuláš Dzurinda was appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served in this role in the government led by Prime Minister Iveta Radičová. As Foreign Minister, he represented Slovakia in international discussions and helped manage the country's relationships with other nations. He also continued to lead his party, SDKÚ-DS.
Other Activities and Interests
Mikuláš Dzurinda has given talks at universities in North America and Europe. He strongly believes in good relationships between Europe and the United States. He has met with many important world leaders, including U.S. presidents, German Chancellors, and British Prime Ministers. He also helped to restart the Visegrád Group, which is a group that helps the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia work together.
Dzurinda is also a very active person and enjoys running marathons. He has run in many marathons, including the famous New York City Marathon in 2001 and the London Marathon in 2003. He completed the New York City Marathon in 3 hours and 42 minutes.
See also
In Spanish: Mikuláš Dzurinda para niños
