On 14 May 2025, Ambassador Prof. Alfonsas Eidintas presented the monograph “Ernestas Galvanauskas. The Prime Minister’s Diplomacy and the History of Exile” at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania. During the presentation, the author of the book, as well as a relative of Ernestas Galvanauskas – Gintautas Galvanauskas – and a journalist Audrius Siaurusevičius shared their insights and memories. The event was moderated by Prof. Lauras Bielinis.
Ernestas Galvanauskas served as Prime Minister of four Lithuanian governments from 1919 to 1924, and as Foreign Minister in three governments. He also held ministerial portfolios for Finance, Trade and Industry, and Communications. E. Galvanauskas led negotiations concerning Lithuania’s eastern and southern borders, was appointed Lithuania’s representative to the League of Nations, served as a diplomatic representative to Great Britain, and played a significant role in order to integrate Klaipėda Region into Lithuania. Party leaders considered his candidacy for the presidency three times, but it was not formally submitted.
According to the author, E. Galvanauskas, who was talented, decisive, rational, and making timely decisions, became a true political star in Lithuania during the first decade of its independence. And the state itself created favourable conditions for his talent to flourish.
The event was organised by the National Library’s Center for Science and Encyclopedia Publishing and the Lithuanian Ambassadors’ Club.