About
A Latvian author and Communist political figure, he is particularly known for his 1933 novel Zvejnieka dēls (Fisherman's Son). From 1940-1959, he held the high-ranking office of Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Latvian SSR.
Before Fame
During his youth, he worked as a manual laborer at the port of Riga.
Trivia
He was under surveillance by the Latvian secret service due to his political affiliations.
Family Life
He was raised in Mangali, Latvia and grew up in relative poverty.
Associated With
He and Vija Celmins were both born in Latvia.
