Antanas Merkys

Antanas Merkys
Acting President of Lithuania
De facto (not recognized)
Acting 15 June 1940 – 17 June 1940
Preceded by	Antanas Smetona
Succeeded by	Justas Paleckis
16th Prime Minister of Lithuania
In office 21 November 1939 – 17 June 1940
President	Antanas Smetona
Preceded by	Jonas Černius
Succeeded by	Justas Paleckis
Personal details
Born	(1887-01-20)20 January 1887 Bajorai, near Skapiškis, Kovno Governorate, Russian Empire
Died	5 March 1955(1955-03-05) (aged 68) Vladimir Oblast, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Nationality	Lithuanian
Political party	Lithuanian Nationalist Union
Relations	Father: Karolis Merkys Mother: Ona Plukaitė-Merkienė
Alma mater	Saint Vladimir University
Occupation	Politician, lawyer

Antanas Merkys (pronunciation^ⓘ; 1 February 1887 – 5 March 1955) was the last Prime Minister of independent Lithuania, serving from November 1939 to June 1940. When the Soviet Union presented an ultimatum to Lithuania demanding that it accept a Soviet garrison, President Antanas Smetona fled the country leaving Merkys as acting president. Merkys ostensibly cooperated with the Soviets, and illegally took over the presidency in his own right. After three days, Merkys handed power to Justas Paleckis, who formed the People's Government of Lithuania. When Merkys attempted to flee the country, he was captured and deported to the interior of Russia, where he died in 1955.