POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE FIRST PRESIDENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSIT: ON EXAMPLE OF THE BALTIC COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article presents a comparative and prosopographic analysis of the first presidents of the Baltic republics who led the states after the restoration of independence. The article contains biographical data of the first presidents of the Baltic countries, which allows us to understand the peculiarities of their formation as political leaders, especially in the context of their stay under Soviet occupation throughout the post-war period. The study reflects the institutional component of the presidency of the three Baltic republics, which was laid down in the adopted constitutions. The article outlines the features of the formation (elections) and the main powers of the president, provided for by the current legislation in each of the Baltic republics. The political component that influenced the election of the president, both in the ideological aspect and in the quantitative dimension, in particular – at the level of election in parliament, which is typical for the political systems of Latvia and Estonia, is separately noted. The article contains information about the features of coalition activities at the level of parliaments, as well as about the interaction of such a majority with the president, which contributed to the successful implementation of state policy. The study reflects the correlation between the party in power, the coalition majority, the government, and the president. The article also reflects the results of the activities of the first presidents in their positions, as well as their further participation in the political life of the country. This study separately mentions the progress in the actions of the first presidents towards full sovereignty of their countries by withdrawing Russian troops from the three Baltic republics. In conclusion, it is noted that the synergy of institutional and personal capacity of the first presidents of the Baltic republics, who after fifty years of Soviet occupation restored their sovereignty, with new forces and aspirations moved their states towards democracy, a market economy, the EU and NATO.