Óscar Berger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Óscar Berger
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Official portrait, 2005
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| 46th President of Guatemala | |
| In office 14 January 2004 – 14 January 2008 |
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| Vice President | Eduardo Stein |
| Preceded by | Alfonso Portillo |
| Succeeded by | Álvaro Colom |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 11 August 1946 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Political party | Independent (since 2003) |
| Other political affiliations |
National Advancement Party (until 2003) Grand National Alliance (2003–2005) |
| Spouse | Wendy de Berger |
| Children | 5 |
| Signature |  |
Óscar José Rafael Berger Perdomo (born 11 August 1946) is a businessman and politician from Guatemala. He served as the 46th president of Guatemala from 2004 to 2008. Before becoming president, he was the mayor of Guatemala City from 1991 to 1999.
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Early Life and Family
Óscar Berger grew up in a wealthy family. They owned large farms that grew sugar and coffee. His grandparents on his father's side came from Belgium. He studied law at the Rafael Landívar University, which is a private school run by Jesuits.
In 1967, he married Wendy Widmann. She also came from a family that owned land in Guatemala. They have five children.
Political Journey
Óscar Berger started his political career in 1985. He joined Álvaro Arzú's successful campaign to become mayor of Guatemala City. From January 1991 to June 1999, Berger himself served as the mayor of Guatemala City.
After being mayor, he decided to run for president. He was a candidate in the 1999 Guatemalan general election. He ran for the National Advancement Party but lost the election to Alfonso Portillo.
In the presidential election of December 2003, Berger won with 54.13% of the votes. He was supported by many wealthy business owners. He won against his opponent, Alvaro Colom.
Mayor of Guatemala City (1991-1999)
Óscar Berger and Álvaro Arzú were friends from university. They started a group called the PAN civic committee. This group later became a political party called the National Advancement Party (PAN).
With Arzú's help, Berger became a member of the Municipal Council of Guatemala City in 1986. He worked on different city committees. These committees focused on sports, public health, and food. He also became a director for the Municipal Social and Sports Club. This is a very popular soccer club in Guatemala.
On May 11, 1989, Berger and Arzú officially registered the PAN party. This new party won the mayoral election in Guatemala City in 1990. Berger became mayor on January 15, 1991. He was re-elected for a second term in 1995.
The PAN party also did well in the 1995–96 Guatemalan general election. They won most of the seats in Congress. Álvaro Arzú then went on to win the presidential election.
Running for President
1999 Election
While Arzú was president, Berger showed interest in becoming president himself. On June 27, 1999, the PAN party officially announced him as their candidate. He stepped down from his role as mayor to focus on his campaign.
Berger's campaign focused on fighting poverty and increasing wages. He also promised to be tough on organized crime. However, his opponent, Alfonso Portillo, used a popular approach that connected more with the people. Berger lost the second round of the election.
This loss caused some disagreements within the PAN party. Some members left to form a new party. Berger also had a disagreement with Arzú. He felt Arzú's leadership had contributed to his election loss.
2003 Election
In 2002, Berger returned to politics. He joined a new group of conservative parties called the Great National Alliance (GANA). This group included the Patriot Party and others. Because of this, he was removed from the PAN party. However, he was chosen as GANA's presidential candidate.
The start of the 2003 Guatemalan general election was unusual. There were also some serious events involving political leaders. The election became a race between Álvaro Colom and Berger. Berger ran his campaign promising changes in politics, the economy, and society. He also had strong support from wealthy families in the country. Berger won the election with 54% of the votes. His group also won 47 seats in the country's Congress.
Presidency (2004–2008)
Óscar Berger became the 46th president of Guatemala on January 14, 2004. In his first speech as president, he promised to make government stronger. He also promised to uphold the law and fight against corruption. At the beginning of his time as president, there were investigations into former officials. This raised hopes that the government would fix problems in the state. However, these investigations later slowed down.
Domestic Policy
President Berger approved the building of new highways in Guatemala. He also oversaw the renovation of the Aurora International Airport. He made changes to the army and recognized the government's role in past war events. He appointed Rigoberta Menchu, a famous leader for peace and indigenous rights, as a special ambassador.
International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG)
On December 12, 2006, the United Nations and the Government of Guatemala signed an agreement. This agreement created the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). This group was approved in 2007.
The CICIG is an independent international body. Its goal is to help the Public Prosecutor's Office and the National Civil Police. It helps them investigate crimes and work to stop illegal groups.
Hurricane Stan
In October 2005, Guatemala faced a terrible natural disaster. Hurricane Stan caused widespread damage across the country. It led to many deaths and missing people. The hurricane also left countless victims.
The destruction was so severe that President Berger declared a "state of public calamity." This meant the government could use special powers to help with the disaster.
Foreign Policy
In March 2006, President Berger approved the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). This agreement helps make trade easier between Central American countries and the United States.
In June 2006, Berger's government signed an agreement with El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This agreement, called the Central America-4 Free Mobility Agreement, allows citizens to travel freely between these four countries without many checks.
After the Presidency
Óscar Berger's time as president ended on January 14, 2008. Álvaro Colom then became the new president. The new government stated that Berger's administration left a large amount of debt.
See also
In Spanish: Óscar Berger para niños
- Politics of Guatemala
- List of political parties in Guatemala
