Jesús Gil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jesús Gil
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| Mayor of Marbella | |
| In office 15 June 1991 – 24 April 2002 |
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| Deputy | Pedro Román |
| Preceded by | Francisco Parra Medina |
| Succeeded by | Julián Muñoz |
| 28th President of Atlético Madrid | |
| In office 26 June 1987 – 28 May 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Francisco Javier Castedo |
| Succeeded by | Enrique Cerezo |
| President of the Liberal Independent Group | |
| In office 14 February 1992 – 14 May 2004 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gregorio Jesús Gil y Gil
12 March 1933 El Burgo de Osma, Castile and León, Spain |
| Died | 14 May 2004 (aged 71) Madrid, Spain |
| Resting place | Cementerio de la Almudena |
| Political party | GIL |
| Children | 4, including Miguel Ángel |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Gregorio Jesús Gil y Gil (born March 12, 1933 – died May 14, 2004) was a Spanish businessman and politician. He was the Mayor of Marbella from 1991 to 2002. He also served as president of the football club Atlético de Madrid for 16 years. After his death, the Marbella city council faced serious issues. This led to its dissolution, which was a rare event in Spanish politics.
Contents
Jesús Gil's Life and Work
Early Business Ventures
In the 1960s, Gil ran a company that built gated communities. In 1969, a building he constructed in San Rafael, near Segovia, collapsed. This tragic event caused many injuries and deaths. An investigation found that the building's cement had not fully hardened. Also, the project was completed without proper plans or professional guidance from architects or surveyors. Gil faced legal consequences for this incident. He was later pardoned after a period of time.
Leading a Football Club
In 1987, Jesús Gil became the president of the football club Atlético Madrid. One of his first actions was signing the talented 21-year-old Portuguese player Paulo Futre. During his time as president, he had a strong and often changing relationship with fans, reporters, players, and coaches. In 1992, he closed Atlético's youth academy. This decision led to a talented 15-year-old player named Raúl joining rival team Real Madrid.
Political Career
In 1991, Gil started his own political party called the Grupo Independiente Liberal (GIL). In the same year, he was elected as the mayor of Marbella. His leadership was quite popular, and he was re-elected three times.
In April 2002, he faced legal challenges. These challenges led to him stepping down as mayor. He was also prevented from holding public office for many years. In early 2008, a two-episode TV documentary was shown on Tele 5. It explored the important moments of his life and career.
Later Years and Passing
On May 9, 2004, Jesús Gil suffered a serious health issue at his home in Valdeolivas. He passed away in Madrid on May 14, at the age of 71. About 20,000 people attended his funeral. He was cremated, and his ashes were placed in the family mausoleum at the Cementerio de la Almudena.
Public Image
Jesús Gil was known for his strong and sometimes controversial opinions. He often used direct language when speaking to the public. He was a populist figure who appealed to many people. During the first years of his time as mayor, the city saw improvements in daily life for some residents. This improvement was a key reason why he was re-elected multiple times.
See also
In Spanish: Jesús Gil para niños
- Marbella City Council dissolution
