Nikolai mikhailovich Shvernik M. 19 May (7 May) 1888-December 24, 1970) was a Russian politician, who was the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR (or President of the USSR) from March 19, 1946 to March 15, 1953 onwards. Although the titular head of State Shvernik Mikhailovich, in fact, had little power as the real power rests with Joseph Stalin, General Secretary of the Communist Party.