Politicians as the driving force behind democratic processes: the biography of Andriy Parubiy

Andriy Parubiy was a well-known public and political figure. It was thanks to him that significant democratic processes took place in independent Ukraine.

Biography of Andriy Parubiy

Andriy Parubiy was born on 31 January 1971 in Sheptytskyi (formerly Chervonohrad) in the Lviv region of Ukraine. His grandfather was a machine gunner in the Armed Forces of the Ukrainian State and the Ukrainian Galician Army, and participated in the Battle of Lviv in 1918.

The future politician studied at the History Department of Lviv University and also completed postgraduate studies at Lviv Polytechnic.

Political career

Andriy Parubiy began his political career in Lviv, serving as a member of the city and regional councils. He was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity, serving as the de facto commander and leader of the Euromaidan tent camp and head of the Maidan Self-Defence Forces.

In early 2014, Parubiy was appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council. In April 2016, he became Speaker of Parliament.

In the 2019 elections, he was elected as a member of the 9th convocation of the European Solidarity party.

Significance of his work for Ukraine

On its social media page, European Solidarity called for the memory of this outstanding public and political figure to be preserved. His colleagues stated that politics was never about positions or ratings for him. Political activity was simply a struggle for Ukraine.

He stood at all the key turning points in our history:

• The Orange Revolution
• The Language Maidan
• The Revolution of Dignity

Andriy Parubiy defended the Ukrainian language. He was there when the language law was passed, when Lenin was removed from his pedestals, when the Ukrainian Church gained independence. He was on the Maidan when the fate of the state was being decided.

Andriy Parubiy was one of those who knew that there are not two Ukraines — there is one great and strong state. He always repeated: ‘Language is victory!’

‘The politician lived for Ukraine. He fought for independence. He worked for the future. And he left us his main legacy: the struggle continues,’ the political force said.

The murder of Andriy Parubiy

Andriy Parubiy was shot dead in Lviv on Yefremova Street. The circumstances of his death are being investigated.

According to eyewitnesses, the shooter was a man carrying a Glovo courier bag, wearing a black helmet with yellow stripes and riding an electric bicycle. The suspect was later detained.