Alejandro Giammattei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alejandro Giammattei
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Formal portrait, 2021
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| 51st President of Guatemala | |
| In office 14 January 2020 – 14 January 2024 |
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| Vice President | Guillermo Castillo |
| Preceded by | Jimmy Morales |
| Succeeded by | Bernardo Arévalo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla
9 March 1956 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Political party | Vamos |
| Spouse | Rosana Cáceres (divorced) |
| Children | 3, including Marcela |
| Cabinet | Cabinet of Alejandro Giammattei |
| Signature |  |
Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla (born 9 March 1956) is a Guatemalan politician. He served as the 51st President of Guatemala from 2020 to 2024.
Before becoming president, he was the director of Guatemala's prison system. He also ran for president in 2007, 2011, and 2015.
He won the election in 2019 and started his term on 14 January 2020.
Contents
About Alejandro Giammattei
Early Career and Public Service
Alejandro Giammattei helped organize elections in Guatemala in 1985, 1988, and 1990. His work was recognized both in Guatemala and internationally.
After working as a consultant for various companies, he became the director of the Guatemalan Prison System in 2006. He left this role in 2008. During his time there, he faced some challenges and investigations.
Running for President
Giammattei ran for President of Guatemala three times before winning. His first attempt was in 2007 with the Great National Alliance (GANA) party.
In 2011, he ran with the Social Action Center Party. This party was later closed because it did not get enough votes. In the 2015 elections, he joined the FUERZA party for his presidential campaign.
Time as President (2020–2024)
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In the 2019 presidential elections, Giammattei was the candidate for the Vamos party. He came in second place in the first round of voting on 16 June 2019.
However, he won the second round on 11 August 2019, with 57.96% of the votes. On 14 January 2020, Giammattei officially became the President of Guatemala. He took over from the previous president, Jimmy Morales.
Challenges During His Presidency
In November 2020, Guatemala faced a political situation after a new budget was approved. Many people were concerned that the budget focused on private projects. They felt it did not do enough to help with poverty and child malnutrition.
The government also received criticism for how it handled the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals became very busy, and some people felt there was not enough information shared.
End of His Term
During his presidency, there was an increase in crime and the cost of living was high. This made Alejandro Giammattei less popular with the public. By January 2022, his approval rating was 27%.
By 2023, only a small percentage of people thought his government was doing well. Many people also left Guatemala to move to the United States during his time in office.
After His Presidency
On 17 January 2024, the U.S. State Department announced that Giammattei could not enter the United States. They stated this was due to concerns about his actions while in office.
Political Beliefs
Giammattei has spoken about bringing back the death penalty. He also promised to fight violent gangs and reduce poverty. He believes this would help stop people from migrating.
He is against same-sex marriage. He supports using the military to help keep people safe in the country.
Personal Life
Alejandro Giammattei married Rosana Cáceres on 11 February 1989. They have three children, including a daughter named Marcela. Giammattei and Cáceres separated before his 2019 presidential campaign.
Because of their separation, his daughter Marcela served as the First Lady of Guatemala. Giammattei admires Mahatma Gandhi the most among world figures. He has multiple sclerosis, a health condition, and uses crutches to walk.
Giammattei's grandfather was from Italy. Because of this, Giammattei also has Italian citizenship, in addition to being a Guatemalan citizen by birth.
Honors
- Taiwan: He received the Order of Brilliant Jade, Grand Cordon. This honor was given to him by the President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, on 20 April 2023.
See also
In Spanish: Alejandro Giammattei para niños
