Artūras Paulauskas

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Artūras Paulauskas (pronunciation (help·info), born August 23, 1953) is a Lithuanian politician. He was the speaker of Seimas, the parliament of Lithuania, and following the impeachment of President Rolandas Paksas on April 6, 2004, served as acting President of Lithuania until early elections were held and a new President was sworn on July 12, 2004.

[edit] Early career

Artūras Paulauskas graduated from Vilnius University with a degree in law in 1976. He then worked as an investigator and a prosecutor. He was Deputy Prosecutor General of Lithuania from 1987 to 1990 and Prosecutor General of Lithuania from 1990 to 1995.

[edit] Political career

Artūras Paulauskas entered politics by running for President of Lithuania in 1997-1998 elections. He was supported by the outgoing President Algirdas Brazauskas and narrowly lost in the runoff to Valdas Adamkus, with A. Paulauskas gaining 49.6% of vote and V. Adamkus gaining 50.4%. He then established The New Union (Socialliberals) party which gained 19.6% of vote in 2000 parliamentary elections. On October 19, 2000, he became the speaker of Seimas, the parliament of Lithuania.

On April 11, 2006 Paulauskas was removed from the office by 94 votes (only 11 parliamentarians voted against it). His party New Union (Socialliberals) didn't participate in the election. Paulauskas was succeeded by Viktoras Muntianas.