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 country's third President for two terms. His first term was from 2001 to 2003, and his second was from 2003 to 2011.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Fradique de Menezes was born in 1942 on São Tomé, which was then a Portuguese colony. 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 in Brussels, Belgium.
Political Career
Before becoming president, Fradique de Menezes was a businessman. He also served as the Foreign Minister for São Tomé and Príncipe 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 whether he could be a candidate. This was because he also held Portuguese citizenship. However, he gave up his Portuguese citizenship, and then his candidacy was approved.
On July 16, 2003, while President Menezes was visiting Nigeria, a military group tried to take control. This was led by Fernando Pereira. However, Menezes was returned to power 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.
In February 2009, authorities announced they had found a plan to overthrow the government. This plan supposedly involved Christian Democratic Front leader Arlecio Costa. Costa and more than 30 other people were arrested. President Menezes said he was grateful for the support from the security forces. He also stated he would be willing to step down if he was causing problems for the country.
Awards
Fradique de Menezes received the World Peace Culture Award on July 13, 2002.
See also
In Spanish: Fradique de Menezes para niños
