Augusts Kirhenšteins

Augusts Kirhenšteins, formerly spelt Kirchenšteins, was a Latvian and Soviet microbiologist, politician and educator. He was the de facto prime minister of Latvia from 20 June 1940 to 25 August 1940 and Acting de facto President of Latvia from 21 July 1940 to 25 August 1940. It was Kirhenšteins' Soviet puppet government that requested the incorporation of Latvia into the Soviet Union after the occupation of the country in 1940. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1941. He was Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic 1940–1952.