Jimmy Morales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jimmy Morales
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Official portrait, 2016
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| 50th President of Guatemala | |
| In office 14 January 2016 – 14 January 2020 |
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| Vice President | Jafeth Cabrera |
| Preceded by | Alejandro Maldonado (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Alejandro Giammattei |
| 2nd Secretary-General of the National Convergence Front | |
| In office 10 March 2013 – 11 January 2016 |
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| Deputy | Édgar Ovalle Maldonado |
| Preceded by | José Luis Quilo |
| Succeeded by | Édgar Ovalle Maldonado (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Ernesto Morales Cabrera
18 March 1969 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Political party | National Convergence Front |
| Spouse |
Patricia Marroquín
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater | University of San Carlos of Guatemala |
| Cabinet | Cabinet of Jimmy Morales |
| Signature |  |
James Ernesto Morales Cabrera (born March 18, 1969), known as Jimmy Morales, is a politician, actor, and comedian from Guatemala. He served as the 50th president of Guatemala from 2016 to 2020.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jimmy Morales was born in Guatemala City. His father passed away when Jimmy was young, so he grew up with his mother, three siblings, and grandparents. To help his family, he and his brother Sammy sold bananas and used clothes at the market when he was just 10 years old.
He studied Business Administration at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. He also earned a degree in Theology and a master's degree in Strategic Studies.
Jimmy Morales became well-known as a TV comedian. He starred in a show called Moralejas (which means "Morals") with his brother Sammy. In 2011, he officially changed his name to Jimmy Morales.
He has been married to Patricia Marroquín for over 30 years, and they have three children.
Political Journey
Jimmy Morales first tried to enter politics in 2011. He ran for mayor in Mixco, a town near Guatemala City, but he came in third place.
In 2013, Morales joined a political party called the National Convergence Front (FCN/Nation) and became its leader.
2015 Presidential Campaign
In 2015, Jimmy Morales was chosen as the FCN's candidate for president. His main goals were to fight against unfair practices and to help with problems like poor nutrition, low education levels, and safety concerns. His campaign slogan was "Neither corrupt, nor a thief." He promised to uphold traditional values and fight against corruption.
At first, many people didn't expect him to win. However, he surprisingly led the first round of the election. This allowed him to move on to a second round against former First Lady Sandra Torres. Morales' success happened after the previous vice president and president had to step down due to accusations of fraud and corruption.
In the second round, Morales won by a large margin, getting 67.4 percent of the votes. His victory showed that many Guatemalans did not trust the traditional politicians who had led the country for many years. People were upset, and this helped him win the presidency over more experienced politicians.
Presidency (2016–2020)
Taking Office and First Actions
Jimmy Morales became the 50th president of Guatemala on January 14, 2016. In his first speech, he thanked God and asked everyone present to promise to work for a "new" Guatemala.
Soon after he took office, there was a question about his new Minister of Communications, Infrastructure, and Housing, Sherry Ordóñez. Some people said she should not be a minister because she had worked for the government before. Although she and Morales said there was no rule against it, she resigned from her position just eleven days later.
International Relations
Morales' first trip to another country as president was to Ecuador. There, he met with leaders from other Latin American countries. He also had separate meetings with the presidents of Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia, Mexico, Ecuador, and Argentina.
On December 24, 2017, Morales announced that Guatemala planned to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This made Guatemala the second country to announce such a move, after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, made a similar announcement.
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In June 2018, Morales' government faced criticism for not acting quickly enough to help Guatemalans affected by a policy in the United States that separated immigrant families. This led to the dismissal of the presidential spokesperson, who had said that the government respected the U.S. policy.
After the Presidency
In 2023, Jimmy Morales tried to become a member of the Congress in the 2023 Guatemalan general election. His brother, Sammy Morales, also ran for president. Both represented the National Convergence Front (FCN) party. However, neither of them received enough votes to win. Because of this, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal decided to close down the FCN party.
Awards and Recognitions
Order of Brilliant Jade, Grand Cordon: This award was given to him by the President of the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen, on January 11, 2017.
Honorary doctorate: He received this special degree from Hebrew University of Jerusalem in November 2016.
Film and TV Work
Films
- Manzana Güena en Noche Güena (2004)
- La Misteriosa Herencia (2004)
- Detectives por Error (2005)
- Ve Que Vivos, una aventura en el más allá (2006)
- Un Presidente de a Sombrero (2007)
- Repechaje (2009)
- Gerardi (2010)
- Fe (2011)
- Viva la Crisis (2012)
Television
- Aló que tal América (1996)
- Moralejas (2004)
See also
In Spanish: Jimmy Morales para niños
- Evangelical political parties in Latin America
