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Prime Minister of Agausia
Mishko Ermolai
Mišḱo Ermolai

Ermolai's official portrait

1

Style

Mister Prime Minister (informal)
His Excellency (formal and diplomatic)

Status

Head of Government

Term Length

Duration of the parliamentary
convocation (4 years)

de facto none - provided they
maintain support of parliament

Appointer

President

8th Prime Minister of Agausia

Incumbent

Assumed Office

2023

Presidential Appointer

Simon Ayovikara (SD)

Preceded by

Apolona Nebiskopa (SD)

Signature

The prime minister of Agausia (Agausian: Ṕremiur Minist́ri) is Agausia's head of government, presiding over the Cabinet of Ministers of Agausia, which is the highest body of the executive branch of the Agausian government. The position replaced the Soviet post of the chairman of Council of Ministers of the Agausi SSR.

Since Agausian independence from the Soviet Union in 1992, there have been eight prime ministers - with one serving in two administrations; Oskar Petofi 2006 - 2015, 1994 - 1997.

Prime Minister Ermolai is the current ACTING Agausian PM. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party; the current ruling party of Agausia.

Nomination and appointment [back to contents]

While it is common, the prime minister does not have to have been elected to the national parliament in order to be eligible for premiership. The prime minister may not head any pollical party, but they may be a member of a party fraction. If the prime minster is selected from a member of parliament, they must resign their seat and a special election will ensure. Each minister must resign their seats if selected from the parliament, and a special elections will ensure.

One of the roles of the president of the Republic is to designate a candidate for the office of prime minister. The president must consult with the party that has the majority in the Parliament, the governing coalition, or with the parties represented in Parliament.

Once designated, the candidate assembles a proposal for the governing program and the cabinet. The proposal must be approved by the Parliament within ten days, through a vote of confidence process. Both the program and the cabinet membership are debated by the Parliament. The proposal is accepted only if a majority of all members approve.

Once the vote of confidence is obtained, the candidate becomes the prime minister and all cabinet members become ministers. The prime minister, the ministers, and other members of the Government take an oath before the president.

Duties and powers [back to contents]

The prime minister directs Government actions and co-ordinates the activities of its members. He or she submits to the Parliament reports and statements on Government policy, to be debated. As head of the government, the prime minister is charged with directing the internal policy of the country and leads the public administration. In this regard, the government cooperates with other interested social actors.

The Agausian prime minister is not a subordinate of the president, but instead though of as an equal power to that of the president. The president can attend the government meetings debating upon matters of national interest with regard to foreign policy, country's defense, maintenance of public order, and, at the invitation of the prime minister, in other instances as well. The president will always chair the government meetings he attends.

The Government and the other bodies of administration must submit all information, reports or documents requested by the parliament or parliamentary committees as part of the parliamentary control of government.

The members of government are allowed to attend the works of Parliament and they must do so at the request of the chairman of the parliament. The prime minister and the members of Cabinet must answer all questions or interpellations brought forward by MPs. After such interpellations, parliament can adopt a simple motion to express their position towards an issue of internal or external politics.

Parliament can dismiss an outgoing prime minister and his cabinet by adopting a motion of no confidence against the government. A Motion of no confidence requires a simple majority (73/145 MPs).

List of prime ministers [back to contents]

No.	Name (Birth - Death)	Term of office	Political party	Cabinet
1	Adiam Avtsikarev (1946 - 2023)	1991 - 1994	Reformed Workers RM	Click to show...
2	Timote Pesty (1931 - 2000)	1994 - 1994	Reformed Workers RM	Click to show...
3	Oskar Petofi (1952 - )	1994 - 1998	Social Democratic SD	Click to show...
4	Lazar Kovach (1958 - )	1998 - 1999	Agausian Liberal AL	Cabinet
5	Konstantin Aleksandrov (1940 - 2020)	1999 - 2006	United Alliance GA	Cabinet
6	Oskar Petofi (1952 - )	2006 - 2015	Social Democratic SD	Cabinet
7	Apolona Nebiskopa (1975 - )	2015 - 2023	Social Democratic SD	Cabinet
8	Mishko Ermolai (1949 - )	2023 - 2024	Social Democratic SD	Cabinet

Government of Agausia [back to contents]

Current Cabinet of Ministers

The Government of Agausia (Agausian: Agûzës Mtavroba) forms one half of the executive branch of the government of Agausia (the other half being the office of the President of Agausia). It is headed by the Prime Minister of Agausia, and consists of the ministries, various subordinated institutions and agencies.

The Government is the public authority of executive power that functions on the basis of the vote of confidence granted by Parliament, ensuring the achievement of the country's domestic and foreign policy and that exercises the general leadership of public administration. The Government is appointed by the President of Agausia, with consolations from party with a majority, the governing coalition, or with the parties of parliament, on the basis of a vote of confidence granted to the Government by the Parliament of Agausia.

Deputy Prime Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister (Agausian: Ṕremër Minist́ris Mо́ǵile) of Agausia is a government post of Cabinet of Ministers of Agausia. In the absence of the Prime Minister of Agausia , the Deputy Prime Minister performs his or her duty as the acting Prime Minister of Agausia. However, its holder has no right to automatic succession.

The current deputy prime minister is Simon Samtsksozhe (PMK).

Ministry of Finance

see National Bank of Agausia

Agausia's Ministry of Finance (Agausian: Pinansta Minist́ri), headed by the Minister of Finance, is part of the government of Agausia. Among its powers and responsibilities it drafts the national budget, deals with taxes, financing of the local self-governments and issues related to public debt.

The current finance minister is Mikhail Konstantine (SD).
Boris Marksi (SD) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Defence

see Armed forces of the Republic of Agausia

The Ministry of Defence of Agausia (Agausian: Tavdatsëvis Minist́ri) is the Agausian government ministry in charge of the Defense Forces of Agausia and regulating activities in defence of the country from external threats, preserving territorial integrity and waging wars on behalf of Agausia. The Minister of Defence coordinates with the president of Agausia.

The current acting defence minister is Anto Plemianikovi (SD).
Mûsin Dari (SD) is acting deputy minister.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Integration

see Foreign relations of Agausia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and integration (Agsausian: Sagareo Sakmeta da Int́egratsës Minist́ri) is the government department responsible for the state's diplomacy, bilateral, and multilateral relations affairs as well as for providing support for a country's citizens who are abroad.

The current minister of foreign affairs and integration is Maksim Panosi (SD).
Rolan Mosiaruli (GA) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure and Development

The Ministry of Economy, Infrastructure and Development (Agausian: Eḱonomiḱs, Inprast́rukt́urisa da Ganvitarebis Minist́ri) is a government ministry of the Agausian Republic. It deals with production, economic activities, energy and mineral resources, telecommunications, consumers, tourism, international trade, internationalization and business incentives. The ministry and its agencies also functions as the main executive body that controls Agausia's transportation infrastructure including roads, trains, and communications.

The current economy, infrastructure and development minister is Ion Ramonti (SD).
Vadimir Kuperi (SD) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Internal Affairs, Regional Development, Tourism and Local Economies

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Regional Development, Tourism and Local Economies (Agsausian: Šinagan Sakmeta, Regioné Ganvitareba, T́urizmi da Aǵilobrivi Eḱonomiḱa Minist́ri) is a government ministry responsible for internal affairs, particularly public security, emergency management, civil registration and identification, supervision of regional and local governments, conduct of elections, public administration and immigration matters, including but not limited to passport issuance.

The National police force of the Agausian Republic (Agûzës Resṕubliḱa Erovné Ṕolitsëâ) is subordinated to the ministry.

The ministry is also responsible for the housing and building, regional and rural policy, municipal administration finances, the delivery and management of government operations and for consumer protection.

The current internal affairs, regional development, tourism and local economies minister is Lila Mamedovi (SD).
Dasha Palata (PMK) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Justice

see Judiciary of Agausia

The Ministry of Justice of the Agausian Republic (Agausian: Iust́itsës Minist́ri) is a ministry of Agausia responsible for the legal system and penal system. The Ministry of Justice is the federal authority for operating Agausia's courts and correctional services.

The Ministry of Justice is engaged in the elaboration and implementation of public policies and regulatory control, as well as performs law enforcement duties and functions of control and supervision in the areas of execution of criminal penalties (by Penitentiary Service), registered non-profit organizations, including the offices of international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations, public associations, political parties and religious organizations, as well as providing information about them, state registration of civil status, legalization and apostille, ensure the established order of the courts and the execution of judicial acts and other organs, combating corruption (by help of the Prosecutor General of Agausia), anti-corruption monitoring (with subordinate agencies).

The current justice minister is Dimitro Ndobia (GA).
Olga Semenovi (SD) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Food Policy

Agausia's Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Food Policy (Agausian: Soplis Meurneobis, Garemos Datsëvisa da Sursatis Ṕolit́iḱis Minist́ri) is a ministry charged with agriculture, and natural resources

Specific duties relate to regulation, promotion, agricultural research, price supports and agricultural subsidies, plant diseases, invasive species and the management of biosecurity. More policy areas are forestry and fisheries; food and food quality, security, and safety; consumer protection; and matters relating to the environment.

The current agriculture, environment and food policy is Anatoli Soplisizhe (PMK).
Ivane Andreev (AS) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Health, Social and Labor Protections

The Ministry of Health of Agausia (Agausian: Žanmrtelobis, Sotsëaluri da Šromis Datsëvis Saminist́ro) is an agency of the government of Agausia. Its main official responsibilities include developing and implementing state policy in healthcare, social and labor policy; developing and implementing federal health programs, including initiatives on diabetes, tuberculosis, health promotion, health education, disease prevention etc.

The ministry is responsible for setting national labor standards, labor dispute mechanisms, employment, workforce participation, training, and social security.

The health, social and labor protections minister currently is Timote Korani (AS).
Aleksandre Bokovi (SD) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Sports

see Education in Agausia

The Ministry of education, culture, research and sports (Agausian: Ganatlebis, Ḱult́uris, Ḱvlevisa da Sр́ort́is Minist́ri) is a government ministry responsible for education, research. The ministry is also in charge of regulating activities related to sports, youth development, child protection, and childcare services in Agausia.

Other obligations of the Cultural Ministry are independently carrying out legal regulations, as well as developing and introducing draft regulations on the following issues: culture, art, cinematography, copyright, related rights, historical and cultural heritage, international cultural and informational cooperation.

The current education, culture, research and sports minister is Anamaria Nemeth (SD).
Miriam Bidgausii (SD) is deputy minister.

Ministry of Public Administration and Information

The Ministry of Public Administration and Information (Agausian: Sažaro Martvelobisa da Inpormatsës Minist́ri) is the main body for formulation and administration of the rules and regulations and laws relating to information, broadcasting, the press and films in Agausia. It is responsible for releasing government information, media galleries, public domain and government unclassified non-scientific data to the public and international communities. The ministry also conducts the system and organization of state administration and local and regional governments, political and electoral system, personal status of citizens and other activities within its jurisdiction. The ministry also regulates the nation's postal service - with its Designated operator being Agûsapost́o.

The current public administration and information minister is Iagienka Tarpini (PMK).
Pitori Kuznetsovi(SD) is deputy minister.

If you notice any mistakes that need to be addressed, or you have comments or questions, please direct telegrams to Agausia. Make sure to push the upvote arrow, Thank you.

Mishko Ermolai
Mišḱo Ermolai

(Acting) 8th Prime Minister

Incumbent

In office

6 February 2023 - 6 May 2024

Preceded by

Apolona Nebiskopa (SD)

Presidents

Simon Ayovikara (SD) 2023

Succeeded by

Incumbent

New Green-Left Alliance Chair

In office

2018 - 2022

Parties in Alliance

Social Democratic Party
Farmer's and Green's Union
New Socialists

Social Democratic Party Chair

In office

2000 - 2009

Preceded by

Tamaz Kachizhe

Succeeded by

Zaza Kipaini

Member of Agausian Parliament

In office

1994 - 2023

Constituency

TSË-10

Preceded by

Andreti Siminonvi (RM)

Succeeded by

Mit́âs Grosmani (SD)

Personal details

Born

7 July 1949
Romda,
Agausi Soviet Socialist Republic

Spouse

Iveta Ermolai (m. 1980)

Children

Zaakaria Ermolai (b. 1981)
Andria Ermolai (b. 1988)

Parents

Gustav Ermolai (b.1931 d.2006)
Halia Ermolai (b.1927 d.1994)

Sibling

Kupalina Meszaros (b.1948)

Education

People's University Msubukia

Political party

Social Democratic Party

Military Service

Allegiance

Soviet Union

Branch

Agausi SSR Naval Forces

Years of
service

1972-1984

Rank

Commander

Signature

Mishko Ermolai (born 7 July 1949) is an Agausian politician who served as the 8th Prime Minister of Agausia until his resignation amidst a backdrop of intense political drama and turmoil within the Agausian government. Prior to assuming the role of Prime Minister, Ermolai served as a member of the Agausian Parliament, representing the Tsentri region's tenth district for more than two decades. He is affiliated with the Social Democratic Party, a significant political force in Agausia. Ermolai's political career spans several decades, marked by various leadership roles within his party and the parliament.

Ermolai's political influence extended beyond his parliamentary duties. From 2018 to 2022, he held the position of Chair of the New Green-Left Alliance, a significant majority voting bloc in the Agausian parliament. Additionally, he has previously served as the chair of the Social Democratic Party, showcasing his leadership and organizational skills within the party structure.

Born in the Agausi Soviet Socialist Republic, Ermolai has a background in military service, having served in the Armed Forces of the Agausi SSR, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military experience likely contributes to his disciplined approach to politics and governance.

Early life and education [back to contents]

Mishko Gustav Ermolai (Mišḱo Gust́aviže Ermolai) was born on 7 July 1949 in the city of Romda, Tsentri region, Agausi Soviet Socialist Republic. His father Gustav served in the military then worked as a local police officer in the city of Romda. His mother Halia was a doula and, after the birth of Mishko's older sister Kupalina, a stay-at-home mother.

When Mishko graduated secondary school, he began an apprenticeship at an electrician in the nearby city of Mshbukia. When Ermolai turned 22 he left his path as an electrician and decided to follow in his father's footsteps. He joined the Armed Forces of the Agausi SSR where he served in the Navy. He was able to rise to the rank of Lieutenant colonel and served for 12 years. He never saw combat but served in the Navy during a time of heightened tension in the Black Sea due to the Cold War.

After completing his military service, at 35 years old, Mishko attended the People's University Msubukia (renamed the Agausian University Msubukia in 1992) where he received a bachelor's degree in Political Management and a master's in Public Policy.

In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Kupalina and her husband, Hungarian born, Henrik Meszaros moved to Budapest and have lived there ever since. After university Ermolai got a job with the Romda city government.

After snap elections were called in 1994 Ermolai successfully ran for a seat in the Agausian Parliament. He defeated incumbent Andreti Siminonvi (RM).

Military service [back to contents]

In 1972, at 22, Mishko Ermolai joined the Naval Forces of the Agausi SSR. His father was a navy officer and served with the Black Sea fleet. 1978 Ermolai received an honorary medal when he saved two fellow crewmembers after an onboard explosion caused his vessel to sink.

He never saw combat, but did serve during a time of tension due to the Cold War. Ermolai served on a Nanuchka I class corvette and later a Krivak-class frigate. He worked in electrical at first, but then quickly worked his way up due to his reputation of being levelheaded and straight forward leader.

During his time in the service, he spent most of his time patrolling the Agausi Soviet Socialist Republic's territorial waters. However, he did participate in several weapon transports between Soviet Russia and Ukraine, and Russia and Agausia.

It was during his time in the navy when Ermolai met his future wife. Mishko was home on leave when he met Iveta Zaslavski in a bar in the seaside city of Ghashia.

When he retired in 1984, at the age of 35, he received another honorary medal for his years of service. A plaque also bares his names in a park in the village of Lurzhi Talghebi. It was off the coast near the village where the explosion of 1978 occurred. Three crewmen lost their lives, and two were left forever disabled.

Political career [back to contents]

Ermolai graduated university with his master's just after the collapse of the Soviet Union, he was 42 at the time. It was during this era of political change that Mishko Ermolai entered the world of politics. Together with his bachelor's degree in Political Management and a master's in Public Policy Ermolai began working with the city of Romda and served as a policy advisor for the Tsentri regional council. He also served as an official liaison between the regional and national parliaments.

When the parliament dissolved in early 1994, after the unsteady governing coalition fell apart and no government could be formed. Ermolai decided to use his experience and run for a seat in the Agausian Parlaiment. Ermolai ran for parliament as a Social Democrat and received the party's endorsement. Despite him being a first-time candidate Ermolai was running in the district in which he was born. His main opponent was incumbent Andreti Siminonvi (RM).

In the following snap elections Ermolai won his seat with 45% of the vote. Siminonvi received 41% and three other candidates received a combined 14%. Since that election in 1994 Ermolai served as the MP for constituency TSË-10 in central Romda. During his time in parliament, he has served in several key committees. From 2000 until 2009 he served as the Social Democratic Party chair. During his tenure as Party chair, he was instrumental in the drafting of the current Agausian Constitution - adopted in 2003. During this time the center-right National Coalition had a majority in parliament, and Ermolai was known for his ability to reach over the isle and compromise with the government.

Ermolai announced he would not seek reelection for party chair after parliament ended its last session in 2009. He was succeeded by Zaza Kipaini, but Kipaini political history didn't last long. While no longer party chair, Ermolai continued to serve as an MP where Agausia's often fragmented political arena have shaped him into a bold negotiator. In 2018 Ermolai was elected to be the New Green-Left Alliance Chair - that tenure will end at the end of 2022.

Prime minister [back to contents]

On 6 February 2023 Mishko Ermolai was confirmed as the 8th Agausian Prime Minister. The vote was 79 in favor and 66 against.

First Ermolai Government

• Deputy Prime Minister - Simon Samtsëkože (PMK)

• Minister of Finance - Mikeil Ḱonst́ant́ines (SD)

• Minister of Defence - Dumitru Petrania (SD) (- Dec. 8 2023), (Acting) Ant́o Ṕlemâniḱovi (SD) (Dec. 8 2023 -)

• Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integration - Maksim Ṕanosi (SD)

• Minister of Economy, Infrastructure and Development - Ion Ramont́i (SD)

• Minister of Internal Affairs, Regional Development, Tourism and Local Economies - Lila Mamedovi (SD)

• Minister of Justice - Dimit́ro Ndobâ(GA)

• Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Food Policy - Anat́oli Soplisiže (PMK)

• Minister of Health, Social and Labor Protections - T́imote Ḱurani (AS)

• Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Sports - Anamarâ Nëmet́i (SD)

• Minister of Public Administration and Information - Âgënḱa T́arṕini (PMK)
  

Political Drama and Resignation [back to contents]

The resignation of Mishko Ermolai from his role as Prime Minister on 6 May 2024, unfolded amidst intense political drama and turmoil within the Agausian government. Ermolai's resignation came amid growing dissatisfaction with the government's performance and mounting pressure from various political factions.

The political landscape in Agausia was characterized by simmering tensions and power struggles, infighting within the coalition, and low approval ratings. This, coupled with opposition parties' gains in local and regional elections, created a climate of instability.

President Simona Aioviḱara's ultimatum demanding the resignation of the entire cabinet further escalated the situation. The president's move was interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power and address public discontent ahead of crucial regional elections. However, it also highlighted the rift between the presidency and the government.

Facing mounting pressure and a political landscape fraught with uncertainty, Mishko Ermolai took the decision to resign from his position as Prime Minister along with his entire cabinet.

Personal life [back to contents]

Mishko was born in the city of Romda during the time when Agausia was part of the Soviet Union. His father Gustav served in the military then worked as a local police officer in the city of Romda. His mother Halia was a doula and, after the birth of Mishko's older sister Kupalina, a stay-at-home mother.

Kupalina, Mishko's sister, was only one year old when Mishko was born. The two had a very close relationship growing up. Unfortunately for the two, their parents suffered a messy divorced in 1983 and the siblings saw each other supporting different sides. Mishko supported his father while his sister their mother. This would result in a split that was never resolved between the two close siblings. In 1991, after the fall of the Soviet Union, Kupalina and her husband, Hungarian born, Henrik Meszaros moved to Budapest and have lived there ever since.

In 1980, while still serving in the Agausian Navy, Ermolai married Iveta Mamuri. After getting married the two quickly become pregnant with their first child. Zaakaria was born a year later. Today she lives in Tamara with her husband and two children. Andria was born in 1988, and today he is bank manager in Romda. He also lives with his wife and their one child in Dachrili, a town just southwest of Romda.

Mishko Ermolai is reported to speak five languages: Agausian, Russian, German, English and Greek. He is also known for his love of soccer and tennis. He is also a heavy smoker.

Criticisms and controversies [back to contents]

In 2015 Ermolai was one of eleven MPs accused of trying to hide and subdue evidence of the Chairman of the Parliament, Janev Nalalhev's (SD) corruption and embezzlement. Nalalhev was the first Social Democratic Chairman since 1999. Ermolai claims that when he found out about Nalalhev's actions he advised him to step down and turn himself in. However, investigators claimed that there were several factors that tied him to other MPs who were burying evidence. Nalalhev stepped down after only four months and was subsequently charged with embezzlement. No charges were ever brought against Ermolai or any of the other MPs involved.

In 2019 during the electoral reform amendment debate Mishko Ermolai, who was alliance chair at the time, led the internal decent for the policy. His main worry was the new threshold would bar smaller parties entering the national legislature. Ermolai went on record to say that "supporters of minor parties are effectively being disenfranchised and denied their right of representation by someone of their choosing." When the amendment was finally voted on only Ermolai and five other Social Democrats voted against the measure, united with the entire opposition three members of the United Alliance and the New Socialists. The amendment passed 52% to 48%.

Ermolai's tenure as Prime Minister was marred by internal strife within the ruling coalition, diminishing public confidence, and significant opposition gains in local and regional elections. The government's failure to address critical issues facing the nation, coupled with escalating tensions between the presidency and the cabinet, further exacerbated concerns regarding Ermolai's leadership abilities.

If you notice any mistakes that need to be addressed, or you have comments or questions, please direct telegrams to Agausia. Make sure to push the upvote arrow, Thank you.

Doctor Simon Ayovikara
Simon Aioviḱara

7th President of Agausia

Incumbent

Assumed office

2 October 2017

Preceded by

Eduard Avagyan (AL)

Prime Minister(s)

Apolona Nebiskopa (SD)
Mishko Ermolai (SD)

Succeeded by

Incumbent

Minister of Education
Culture, research
and sports

In office

2010 - 2014

Prime Minister

Oskar Petofi (SD)

Preceded by

Anamaria Nemeth (SD)

Succeeded by

Anamaria Nemeth (SD)

Member of
Agausian Parliament

In office

2014 - 2017

Constituency

PKT-26

Preceded by

Viktor Mekobre (SD)

Succeeded by

Andrea Sigua (SD)

Rector of Tamara
University of Business
and Agriculture

In office

2006 - 2010

Preceded by

Yezmeni Pauchin

Succeeded by

Martin Ramonti

Personal details

Born

23 July 1955
Tamara, City of Tamara,
Agausi Soviet Socialist Republic

Spouse

Tetiana Volsiki (m. 1987 - divorced 1999)
Naria Mendel (m. 2012 - c.)

Children

Miasam Bannerman (b. 1988)
Tomas Ayovikara (b. 1990)
Veria Kortarishenko (b. 1992)

Parents

Sergi Ayovikara (b.1931 d.2010)
Maria Ivandazhe (b.1926 d. 2002)

Education

Žanžǵava University (1972-1978)
Chernivtsi University (1978-1980)
Tamara University of Business
and Agriculture (1980-1983)

Political party

Agausian Communist Party (1973-1990)
Reformed Workers (1990-1997)
Social Democratic party (1997-current)

Signature

Simon Aioviḱara (born 23 July 1955) is a former educator and is currently serving as the 7th President of Agausia. In September 2022 Ayovikara won his reelection campaign. Making him the only president in modern Agausian history to have won a second term.

Prior to joining politics Ayovikara was a well-respected educator and was serving as Rector of Tamara University of Business and Agriculture. He is a graduate of Žanžǵava University in Tamara,Chernivtsi University in Ukraine, and Tamara University of Business and Agriculture. In 2010 Ayovikara was appointed as Ministry of Education Culture, research and sports in Prime Minister Petofi's cabinet.

Early life and education [back to contents]

Simon Sergi Ayovikara (Simon Sergiže Aioviḱara) was born 23 July 1955 in the city of Tamara, the capital of the Agausi Soviet Socialist Republic. Parents Sergi Ayovikara and Maria Ivandazhe were both ethnic Agausians and each were also born in the city of Tamara. Ayovikara's father Sergi was a farrier who traveled around the country. Maria Ivandazhe was a primary school teacher and part time baker.

Simon's parents believed that a good education was foundational to a successful future. As a child the future president learned to play the piano and became fluent in Agausian, Russian and Romanian. Ayovikara would learn French and English while in university.

In 1972 Ayovikara attended Žanžǵava University, which was down the street from his childhood home. While there he officially joined the Agausian Communist Party and worked for the University's communist newspaper. He also worked as a part time tutor and as a grocery bagger. In 1978 graduated with a Bachelor of Education. In the same year Simon Ayovikara began attending Chernivtsi University in Ukraine. He spent three years in Ukraine and received a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Social Pedagogies. In 1980 the graduate moved back to Tamara and began teaching as a secondary school teacher in Šеmkmеnelebs, a small community on the outskirts of the city.

While teaching Ayovikara began working on his doctoral work at Tamara University of Business and Agriculture. He took night classes for three years and in 1983 successfully defended his doctoral thesis and received a Doctorate in Social Policy. Dr. Ayovikara continued to teach secondary school for five more years.

In 1988 Ayovikara accepted a job with the Ministry of Education where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of all the elementary (five years; age level 5–10), basic (three years; age level 10-13), and secondary (three years; age level 13–16) schools in the city of Tamara. He served in the same function for 18 years. In 1991, when Agausia became independent Ayovikara retained a position with nearly the same functions in the newly formed Ministry of Education Culture, research and sports.

Now being a pillar in the educational system of Agausia, in 2006 Dr. Ayovikara accepted an offer from the Tamara University of Business and Agriculture to serve as Rector (University President). During his four-year tenure Ayovikara saw over the, often controversial, educational reforms of then President Vladimer Zorikin (AL).

In 2010 Ayovikara was nominated, by then president Melor Olarazi (SD), to be Ministry of Education Culture, research and sports. He was confirmed and served for four years.

Political career [back to contents]

In 2010, following the 2010 parliamentary election, in which the center left coalition secured a ruling mandate. It was clear that prime minister Oskar Petofi would yet again lead the Agausian government. However, Anamaria Nemeth, Minister of Education during Petofi's 2006-2010 cabinet, was a new mother and decided to spend time with family rather than accept a second mandate. Rector Ayovikara was tapped for the minister position.

The former educator turned politician accepted the nomination. Petofi and his cabinet, including Education Minister Simon Ayovikara, was confirmed by parliament in an 81-64 vote. It was his time in Petofi's cabinet when the future president would meet his future prime minister. Apolona Nebiskopa (SD) was serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Integration from 2010 - 2015.

Ayovikara oversaw the ministry during tumultuous times. The country was still facing high inflation and major stagnation. The ministry's budget had been severely cut, and national was also seeing a teacher shortage. Despite these struggles, Ayovikara was able to increase retention rates in schools and successfully negotiated a number of contracts which prevented further teacher strikes.

In 2012 Ayovikara decided that he would run for a seat in the 9th Agausian Parliament (2014-2018). When he won his election in November 2013 former Education minister Anamaria Nemeth agreed that she would come back, providing the Social Democrats retained control of government. In 2014 Ayovikara won his election, and the Social Democrats led a minority government with support of the Farmers and Greens and New Socialists, as well as some members of the United Alliance.

While in parliament Ayovikara sat on the committee for culture, education, research, youth, sport and mass-media. In 2015 Ayovikara was approached by high-ranking members of the Social Democratic party including Deputy Party Chair, and future PM, Apolona Nebiskopa and was talked into adding his name as a potential presidential candidate in the 2017 election to unseat Agausian Liberal Eduard Avagyan.

At the 2016 Social Democratic Primary Simon Ayovikara received the nomination of the Social Democratic party. The former schoolteacher was now thrust onto the national and international stage. Then-president (2012 - 2017) Eduard Avagyan's (AL) economic reforms failed to address many of the issues which plagued Agausian society, which contributed to his low approval ratings. On the last day in August in 2017 Ayovikara beat Eduard Avagyan in the first round of the election with 52% of the vote.

President [back to contents]

On 26 August 2017 the Agausian people elected Social Democratic challenger Simon Ayovikara. Earning 52% of the vote meant that Ayovikara had secured the presidency in the first round. Something that only one other president (Boris Kundakchi) was able to achieve. Eduard Avagyan the only Agausian Liberal president to have been elected was defeated after promising economic change, but varying sucess.

On 27 August 2022 Ayovikara was forced into a September runoff with Agausian Liberal Nikolia Kasriani. Ayovikara received 42% of the vote and Kasriani 38% in the first round. On 24 September 2022 Ayovikara won his reelection with 52% of the vote. This made him the only president in Agausian history to have been elected to a second term.

Personal life [back to contents]

Parents Sergi Ayovikara (b.1931 d.2010) and Maria Ivandazhe (b.1926 d. 2002) were both loyal communist party members and raised their young Simon without religion but instead with a dedication to education. However, later in life Simon would join the Orthodox church.

In 1987 Dr. Ayovikara (age 32) married his first wife Tetiana Volsiki. She was a local seamstress and would later work in the church. Together they had three children: Miasam, Tomas and Veria. The pair divorced in 1999. Miasam now lives in London. Tomas and his family live in the United States. Veria is the only child that still lives in Agausia.

In 2012 (age 57) Simon Ayovikara married Naria Mendel (age 31). Ayovikara was Minister of Education and Naria was a staffer at the ministry. Their relationship was the subject of some controversy. Mendel now sits on a board that works in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Sports to oversee Agausian Museums and monuments.

Criticisms and controversies [back to contents]

In late 2011, when Ayovikara and Mendel's relation was exposed in the press the Minister faced criticisms and questions regarding the circumstances of their relationship, combined with the fact they kept it secret for some time raised eyebrows. In April of that year the couple had been photographed at dinner together in Sochi, Russia. When asked about the date Ayovikara denied allegations that he had dinner with Mendel. Days later he walked backed on his original statement and stated that the dinner was a work-related function.

Mendel would again cause controversy for Ayovikara when in 2019 the First Lady of Agusia was voted onto a board that works with the cultural centers in Agausia. Many questioned the First Lady's experience and qualifications for the coveted government job, which comes with benefits and a salary. There were allegations that the president used his political position in order to get favorable treatment for his family members.

As president faced harsh criticism for not joining most other UN nations in sanctions and retaliation after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In March 2024, Aioviḱara issued a decisive ultimatum to all cabinet ministers and the prime minister, demanding their resignations. This ultimatum, accompanied by the threat of parliamentary action and the possibility of early elections, showcased Aioviḱara's willingness to leverage his authority to achieve his political objectives. Despite facing opposition and skepticism Aioviḱara pressed forward.

Throughout his term as president Ayovikara was also criticized for not solving the dule issues of inflation and stagnation.

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