- 1958
- Born May 9, in the village of Chedino, Mariinsko-Posadsky district, Chuvashia ASSR
- 1980
- Graduated from Kazan State University
- 1985
- Completed post-graduate studies at the USSR Academy of Sciences’ Institute of State and Law. Holds the title of PhD in law, doctor of economic sciences, professor.
- 1980 – 1982
- Assistant, senior lecturer at Chuvashia State University.
- 1985 – 1989
- Assistant, senior lecturer at Chuvashia State University.
- 1989 – 1991
- People’s Deputy of the USSR, chairman of the USSR Supreme Soviet sub-committee on legislation, law and order.
- 1990 – 1992
- RSFSR Minister of Justice.
- 1992 – 1993
- Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation.
- 1993
- Chairman of Moscow City Guild of Defence Lawyers Klishin and Partners.
- 1994 – 2010
- President of the Republic of Chuvashia.
- 2010 – 2012
- Member of the Federation Council representing the Republic of Chuvashia, representative of the Republic of Chuvashia executive branch of power, chairman of the committee on constitutional law, legal and judicial matters, and civil society development.
- 2012 – 2015
- Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.
- April 15, 2015
- Presidential Adviser.
- Holds the orders For Services to the Fatherland III and IV degree and the Order of Honour.
- Honoured Builder of the Russian Federation, laureate of the Russian Federation State Prize for Science and Technology.
- Married, has a son and daughter.