Fradique de Menezes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fradique de Menezes
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| 3rd President of São Tomé and Príncipe | |
| In office July 23, 2003 – September 3, 2011 |
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| Prime Minister | Maria das Neves Damião Vaz d'Almeida Maria do Carmo Silveira Tomé Vera Cruz Patrice Trovoada Joaquim Rafael Branco Patrice Trovoada |
| Preceded by | Fernando Pereira (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Pinto da Costa |
| In office September 3, 2001 – July 16, 2003 |
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| Prime Minister | Guilherme Posser da Costa Evaristo Carvalho Gabriel Costa Maria das Neves |
| Preceded by | Miguel Trovoada |
| Succeeded by | Fernando Pereira (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 21 March 1942 São Tomé, Overseas Province of São Tomé and Príncipe, Portugal |
| Political party | Force for Change Democratic Movement-Liberal Party |
| Alma mater | Free University of Brussels |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Fradique Bandeira Melo de Menezes (born March 21, 1942) is a politician from São Tomé and Príncipe. He served as the third President of São Tomé and Príncipe for two terms. His first term was from 2001 to 2003, and his second was from 2003 to 2011.
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Early Life and Education
Fradique de Menezes was born in 1942 on São Tomé. At that time, São Tomé was a colony of Portugal. His father was Portuguese, and his mother was from São Tomé.
He went to high school in Portugal. Later, he studied at universities in Lisbon, Portugal, and Brussels, Belgium.
Political Career Highlights
Before becoming president, Menezes was a businessman. He also served as the Foreign Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe. This role meant he was in charge of his country's relationships with other nations. He held this position from 1986 to 1987.
First Presidential Term
In July 2001, Menezes was elected president. He won with about 55.2% of the votes. He defeated Manuel Pinto da Costa, who received about 40% of the votes. Menezes officially became president on September 3, 2001.
There was a question about his right to be a candidate. This was because he also held Portuguese citizenship. However, he gave up his Portuguese citizenship, and his candidacy was then approved.
Brief Interruption in Power
On July 16, 2003, while Menezes was visiting Nigeria, a military group took control of the country. This event is called a coup d'etat. It was led by Fernando Pereira.
However, Menezes was quickly put back in power. This happened on July 23, 2003, after an agreement was reached.
Second Presidential Term
Menezes was re-elected as president on July 30, 2006. He won with 60.58% of the votes. He defeated Patrice Trovoada, who is the son of former president Miguel Trovoada.
Addressing National Security
On February 12, 2009, news came out about a plan to overthrow the government. This plan was called a coup plot. The leader of the Christian Democratic Front, Arlecio Costa, was said to be involved. Costa and more than 30 other people were arrested.
At a press conference on February 24, Menezes spoke about the situation. He said he was thankful for the support from the security forces. He also mentioned he would be willing to leave office if he was causing problems for the country.
International Recognition
On July 13, 2002, Fradique de Menezes received the World Peace Culture Award. This award recognizes people who work for peace and understanding in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Fradique de Menezes para niños
