Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky is a bright and charismatic politician who loves to shock the public and always be in the spotlight. He met his wife Galina during his student days.
Galina Lebedeva - Zhirinovsky's wife
Vladimir Volfovich Zhirinovsky is one of the most prominent political figures in Russia, founder and chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR), vice-speaker of the Russian State Duma of the fifth convocation. His political, social and personal life has always attracted great interest. Zhirinovsky received an excellent education. He studied in parallel at the Institute of Oriental Languages at Moscow State University at the Faculty of History and Philology and at the University of Marxism-Leninism at the Faculty of International Relations. Vladimir Volfovich defended his doctoral dissertation, speaks four foreign languages. He came to politics as a student, and since then it has become the work of his whole life. On the personal front, Zhirinovsky also demonstrates constancy and loyalty to the choice once made. He married at a young age and the family has been preserved to this day, despite the problems that arose along the way.
Galina Lebedeva is Zhirinovsky's wife, a native Muscovite. She grew up in a very good intelligent family. Galina is a virologist by profession. After graduation, she got a job at the Research Institute of Virology. Ivanovsky and remained loyal to the scientific institute throughout her career. Galina received her PhD in Biological Sciences and worked as a senior researcher.
In parallel with her scientific activities, Lebedeva was engaged in business and social activities. On her own initiative, Galina created the LDPR Women's Association. This is the first women's organization in Russia, the tasks of which began to provide assistance to families in difficult life situations, raise sensitive issues for general discussion and make their own contribution to the development of the country. Any woman can join the organization, regardless of her affiliation with the Liberal Democratic Party.
Acquaintance with Zhirinovsky and family life
Galina Lebedeva and Vladimir Zhirinovsky met in 1967 at sea, in one of the student camps. The future wife of the politician then studied at the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University, and Vladimir Volfovich at the University of Marxism-Leninism. Zhirinovsky admits that he immediately became interested in a slender and tall beauty. They continued to communicate when they returned to the capital. But the relationship was more friendly. Everything was in accordance with the rules and regulations of the time. For about 2 years, Vladimir Volfovich patiently looked after Galina, took her to theaters. He managed to get expensive and scarce tickets for performances.
Galina recalls that at that time Zhirinovsky was not so eccentric. He seemed to her thoughtful, calm. Vladimir Volfovich conquered her with his intelligence, erudition. Zhirinovsky recalls that he promised his chosen one to become a minister when he proposed to her. They got married in 1970. In 1972, their son Igor was born.
Despite the fact that both spouses estimate the beginning of family life as the happiest time, they divorced in 1974. The reason was mutual misunderstanding. Vladimir Volfovich does not like to comment on his personal life, but in one of his interviews he admitted that they broke up with his wife because they were too young, not ready for the role of parents. The divorce turned out to be loud. The spouses divided common property through the court and Galina won the court dispute.
Some time after the divorce, Zhirinovsky and Lebedeva began to communicate. They needed to raise a common son and gradually the relationship became warmer. In 1985, they began to live together again, but did not enter into an official marriage. They celebrated the silver wedding on a grand scale and got married.
The condition of Zhirinovsky's wife
Galina Lebedeva, being the wife of such an extravagant politician, is not lost against his background. She dresses very brightly, and sometimes shockingly. The wife of Vladimir Volfovich loves to speak in public and is often even more verbose than her husband. Galina does not depend on Zhirinovsky financially. According to her income tax returns, she earns more than her spouse. In addition, she is the owner of eight large Moscow apartments, five country residences near Moscow, and seven expensive cars. Galina receives additional income from renting out real estate.
The difference in income in favor of Lebedeva has repeatedly attracted the attention of journalists and critics. The critics grew even more when the leader of the LDPR party said that Galina was not his official wife, which means that she was not obliged to submit a declaration.
Despite the busyness of both spouses, they find time to communicate, attend various events together. Their son Igor grew up a long time ago, created his own family, and has two twin sons. Vladimir Volfovich and his wife are happy to pay attention to their grandchildren.
