Mikuláš Dzurinda facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mikuláš Dzurinda
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Dzurinda in 2022
|
|
| Prime Minister of Slovakia | |
| In office 30 October 1998 – 4 July 2006 |
|
| President | |
| Preceded by | Vladimír Mečiar |
| Succeeded by | Robert Fico |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office 8 July 2010 – 4 April 2012 |
|
| Prime Minister | Iveta Radičová |
| Preceded by | Miroslav Lajčák |
| Succeeded by | Miroslav Lajčák |
| Acting President of Slovakia | |
| In office 30 October 1998 –
|
|
| Preceded by | Vladimír Mečiar (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Rudolf Schuster |
| Minister of Transport, Post and Telecommunications | |
| In office 16 March 1994 – 13 December 1994 |
|
| Prime Minister | Jozef Moravčík |
| Preceded by | Roman Hofbauer |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Rezeš |
| President of the Martens Centre | |
| Assumed office 3 December 2013 |
|
| Preceded by | Wilfried Martens |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 February 1955 Spišský Štvrtok, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia) |
| Political party |
|
| Spouse | Eva Dzurindová |
| Alma mater | University of Žilina |
Mikuláš Dzurinda (born 4 February 1955) is a Slovak politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Slovakia from 1998 to 2006. He also founded and led important political parties like the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK) and the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union (SDKÚ–DS).
During his time as Prime Minister, Slovakia made big changes. These included economic reforms like a simple 19% flat tax. Slovakia also joined important international groups like the European Union (EU) and NATO. Later, from 2010 to 2012, Dzurinda was the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Politics
Mikuláš Dzurinda was born in a village called Spišský Štvrtok in eastern Slovakia. He studied at the College of Transport and Communications in Žilina and later earned a science degree. He worked as an economic analyst and director before entering politics.
Dzurinda joined the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) in 1990. This was a conservative political party. In 1991, he became the Deputy Minister of Transportation. In 1992, he was elected to the Slovak parliament. When Slovakia became an independent country in 1993, he was a deputy chairman of KDH. He also served as Minister of Transportation from March to October 1994.
Becoming Prime Minister (1998–2002)
In 1997, several opposition parties joined together to form the Slovak Democratic Coalition (SDK). Mikuláš Dzurinda became their leader. In October 1998, he was chosen as Prime Minister. His government worked to improve Slovakia's relationships with the European Union and other international groups.
His government's changes helped Slovakia join the OECD (a group of developed countries) in 2000. Slovakia also finished its talks to join the European Union. Many big companies started investing in Slovakia, like U.S. Steel.
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 was re-elected as Prime Minister in 2002. His second government continued to make reforms. In 2002, Slovakia was invited to join NATO. The country also finished its talks to join the EU. Slovakia officially joined both the EU and NATO in 2004.
During this time, Slovakia's economy grew quickly. The government reduced its debt, which helped Slovakia prepare to join the eurozone in 2009. Car companies like PSA Peugeot-Citroën and Kia also invested in the country.
The World Bank praised Dzurinda's government for its economic changes. The 19% flat tax rate for income and businesses made Slovakia an attractive place for investors. However, unemployment was still a challenge, especially in rural areas. In the 2006 election, Dzurinda's party lost to the SMER party, and he left office.
Minister of Foreign Affairs (2010–2012)
In 2010, Mikuláš Dzurinda became the Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served in this role in Prime Minister Iveta Radičová's government. He continued to be the chairman of his party, SDKÚ-DS.
Other Activities
Mikuláš Dzurinda has given talks at universities in North America and Europe. He believes in strong connections between Europe and the United States. He has met with many important world leaders, including U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
He also helped to restart the Visegrád Group. This is a group that helps the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia work together.
Dzurinda is also a big fan of marathon running. He has run in many marathons, including the famous New York City Marathon in 2001 and the London Marathon in 2003.
Images for kids
-
Dzurinda in 2022
See also
In Spanish: Mikuláš Dzurinda para niños
