Mykola Azarov

Prime Minister of Ukraine, Chairman of the Party of Regions

Mykola Azarov was born on 17.12.1947 in Kaluga.

In 1971 he graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University with a degree in geology and geophysics. Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences (1986), Professor (1991), Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (1997).

After graduating from Moscow State University, in 1971-1976, the future politician worked at the combine "Tulaugol".

In 1976-1984 he headed the laboratory and department of the Moscow Region Coal Research and Design Institute.

In 1984-1995. Mr. Azarov was Deputy Director, Director of the Ukrainian State Research and Design Institute of Mining Geology, Geomechanics and Surveying of the Ministry of Coal Industry of Ukraine.

In 1994-1998 he was a People's Deputy of Ukraine of the II convocation. - People's Deputy of Ukraine of the II convocation, Chairman of the Budget Committee of the Verkhovna Rada.

From 1996 to 2002, Mr. Azarov was the Chairman of the State Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Mr. Azarov was Chairman of the State Tax Administration of Ukraine.

From November 2002 to February 2005. Mykola Azarov holds the post of First Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Finance of Ukraine in the first government.

After being elected to the Parliament in spring 2006, he headed the Committee on Budget Issues.

On August 4, 2006 he joined Yanukovych's Cabinet for the second time and again became First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Finance.

From November 2007 to March 2010 - People's Deputy of Ukraine of the VI convocation from the Minister of Finance in the shadow (opposition) government of V.Yanukovych.

Since March 2010 - Prime Minister of Ukraine.