Matvienko Valentina Ivanovna: A Russian Politician and Former Governor of Saint Petersburg

Early Life and Education

Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko was born on April 7, 1949, in the village of Shepetivka in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). She graduated from the Leningrad Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute in 1972, specializing in pharmacy. After working as a pharmacist for several years, Matvienko entered politics in 1984 as a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU).

Political Career

Matvienko quickly rose through the ranks of the CPSU, becoming a member of the Leningrad City Committee in 1986 and the First Secretary of the Leningrad Regional Committee in 1990. In 1991, she was elected to the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation, the parliament of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR).

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Matvienko remained active in Russian politics. She was elected as a member of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, in 1993 and served as its deputy speaker from 1994 to 1998. In 1998, she was appointed as the Russian Ambassador to Greece, a position she held until 2003.

Governor of Saint Petersburg

In 2003, Matvienko was elected as the Governor of Saint Petersburg, making her the first woman to hold the position. She was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. During her tenure as governor, Matvienko oversaw the city's economic development, cultural revival, and infrastructure improvements.

Under Matvienko's leadership, Saint Petersburg became a major international tourist destination, hosting events such as the 2006 G8 summit and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. She also initiated numerous urban renewal projects, including the construction of new bridges, roads, and parks.

Federation Council Chairperson

In 2011, Matvienko was elected as the Chairperson of the Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament. She was the first woman to hold this position. As Chairperson, Matvienko has been a vocal supporter of President Vladimir Putin and his policies.

Matvienko has also been involved in international affairs, representing Russia at various international summits and conferences. She is a member of the Council of Europe and has served as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office in 2016.

Personal Life

Valentina Matvienko is married to Vladimir Vasilievich Matvienko, a retired military officer. They have two children: a son, Sergei, and a daughter, Maria.

Legacy

Valentina Matvienko is a prominent figure in Russian politics. She has held several high-level positions, including Governor of Saint Petersburg and Chairperson of the Federation Council. She is known for her strong leadership and her commitment to improving the lives of the people of Saint Petersburg.

Matvienko is also a role model for women in politics. She has demonstrated that women can achieve success in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her story is an inspiration to other women who aspire to enter politics.