Biryukova, Alexandra (1929–)

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Biryukova, Alexandra (1929–)

Soviet politician. Name variations: Alexandra Pavolvna Biryukova; Alexandra Biriukova. Born 1929 in USSR.

Trained as textile engineer; took minor official jobs while still working in factory but had to leave upon accepting position of secretary of Trade Union Presidium (1968), later serving as the Presidium's deputy chair (1985); wrote The Working Woman in the USSR (1973); selected for secretariat of Central Committee of Communist Party, as consumer affairs specialist (1986); appointed deputy prime minister responsible for Social Development (1988); was made non-voting candidate member of Politburo (1988), the 1st woman to achieve this distinction since Ekaterina Fursteva in 1957; was pushed aside in political turmoil of 1990–91.