Algirdas Brazauskas was a prominent Lithuanian politician who served as the first President of Lithuania after its independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. He played a crucial role in the country's transition to democracy and market economy. Brazauskas was also the Prime Minister of Lithuania, holding office from 2001 to 2006, and was a key figure in the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party. Born on September 22, 1932, in Šiauliai, Brazauskas was educated in engineering and later became involved in politics during the Soviet era. He was known for his pragmatic approach and efforts to unite various political factions in Lithuania. Brazauskas passed away on June 26, 2014.