Vanya Semenov
Vanya Semenov | |
|---|---|
| Ваня Семенов | |
 Semenov in 1982. | |
| 1st President of Gasaria | |
| In office 1968–1978 | |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Nikita Baranov |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 5, 1932 Pisha, Gasaria |
| Died | October 27, 1990 (aged 58) Sashaslav, Gasaria |
Vanya Semenov (Gasarian: Ваня Семенов; born May 5, 1932) was a Gasarian statesman who served as the first President of Gasaria from 1968 to his resignation 1978. A leader of the independence movement, Semenov was elected as president and oversaw the establishment of many national institutions, including the Gasarian Armed Forces. He led the defence of Gasaria during the Federate-Gasarian War.
Born in Pisha 18km south of Sashaslav, Semenov and his family moved to Sashaslav in 1954 during the Slowdown. After obtaining his certificate from Stanislav Polytechnique, Semenov worked as an electrician, becoming interested and subsequently involved in the looming Popular Protests. A protege of activist Anna Markov, her assassination escalated the movement. Semenov led the Popular Uprisings in solidarity with other nations and became a principal negotiator to the Federate Union concerning Gasarian independence. Upon secession, Semenov leadership was reaffirmed by an election, becoming the first president of Gasaria.
Semenov promoted the "All-Gasarian Nation", championing a multicultural Gasarian identity.