On 21 March 2024 the Lithuanian Ambassadors’ Club held an event dedicated to Ernestas Galvanauskas, one of the first politicians and diplomats to declare Lithuania’s independence in 1918. The lecture “The uniqueness of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ernestas Galvanauskas” was delivered by Ambassador Prof. Alfonsas Eidintas.
The speaker emphasised the uniqueness of Ernestas Galvanauskas and demonstrated his important and diverse contribution to the creation of the Lithuanian state. Born in the small town of Vabalninkas, E. Galvanauskas entered the Lithuanian political arena in 1905, participating in the revolutionary events in Lithuania. He also took part in the Vilnius Grand Seimas.
From October 1919 to June 1920, E. Galvanauskas was the Prime Minister of Lithuania and the Minister of Finance, Trade, and Industry. He held ministerial position until 1922. In 1921, he represented Lithuania at the League of Nations. E. Galvanauskas played a very important role in the 1923 Klaipėda Uprising. Due to his political and diplomatic talent, the Lithuanian state managed to establish itself among other European states. E. Galvanauskas candidacy was considered three times in the Lithuanian presidential elections.
In 1924, E. Galvanauskas was appointed Extraordinary Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary to London. After the state coup in 1927, having resigned from these positions, he arrived in Klaipėda and devoted himself to social and educational activities. In 1947, left for Madagascar where he established trade and industrial courses. In 1963, he settled in France.
According to Ambassador A. Eidintas, E. Galvanauskas was a visionary who predicted that Lithuania would become free again at the end of the 20th or beginning of the 21st century. Despite his active participation in political and diplomatic life, Prof. A. Eidintas believes that E. Galvanauskas aspiration was to become a professor at the University of Lithuania, which unfortunately was not destined to be.
The hybrid event hosted by the Lithuanian Ambassadors’ Club was a resounding success, drawing over 50 participants.