Mauricio Funes, former president of El Salvador, died at 65 in Nicaragua, where he fled amid corruption allegations after his presidency from 2009 to 2014. Initially a successful journalist, Funes aimed to appeal to diverse voters as the FMLN’s first non-rebel candidate. Facing serious corruption charges, he was sentenced to prison while living in exile.
Mauricio Funes, the former president of El Salvador, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 in Nicaragua, where he had sought asylum following corruption allegations. Funes served as president from 2009 to 2014 and was a former television journalist who aimed for a moderate leftist leadership despite his affiliation with a party formed by former Marxist rebels.
Educated by Jesuits at the University of Central America, Funes first made his mark in journalism, notably working for CNN in Spanish. He gained recognition for interviewing fighters from the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) during the civil war, which aided his election as the first FMLN candidate without a background in armed rebellion, appealing to a broader electorate.
After numerous corruption allegations during his presidency, including embezzlement of $351 million, Funes fled to Nicaragua in 2016 where he successfully claimed asylum and later obtained Nicaraguan citizenship. He contended that he was a victim of political vendetta, although he was faced with multiple criminal cases, with the most recent outcome resulting in a 14-year prison sentence for illicit negotiations with criminal gangs.
Funes commenced his teaching career at the young age of 16 and enjoyed a long-established journalism career that spanned over two decades before entering politics. Throughout his presidency, he frequently drew comparisons to other leftist leaders, such as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Barack Obama, pledging to maintain strong ties with the United States.
Despite his aspirations, U.S. authorities eventually blacklisted Funes due to allegations of severe corruption, barring him from receiving a visa. Born on October 18, 1959, Funes was married to Brazilian Wanda Pignato and was the father of five children, one of whom tragically passed away in Paris in 2007.
Mauricio Funes was a prominent figure in El Salvador’s political landscape, transitioning from journalism to politics as a member of the FMLN. His presidency marked a significant period following the country’s civil war, and he successfully navigated challenges related to public perception of his party’s history. The allegations of corruption against him and his subsequent asylum in Nicaragua highlight the complex political dynamics within the country’s governance, particularly regarding accountability and political persecution.
In conclusion, Mauricio Funes’ journey reflects the profound complexities of Salvadoran politics and the impact of previous civil unrest on its leaders. His rise from journalist to president and subsequently his fall into allegations of corruption culminate in a significant narrative about power, accountability, and the relationship between governance and public trust in El Salvador.
Original Source: www.france24.com
