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 Guatemalan politician, actor, and comedian. He served as the 50th president of Guatemala from 2016 to 2020. Before becoming president, he was famous for his work on television.
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Early Life and Education
Jimmy Morales was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. His family had a background in the circus. When Jimmy was three years old, his father died in a car accident. After this, he, his mother, and his three siblings moved in with their grandparents.
To help his family, Jimmy and his brother Sammy began working when he was ten. They would go with their grandfather to the market to sell bananas and used clothing.
Morales worked hard in school. He earned degrees in business administration and theology from the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. He later earned a master's degree in strategic studies, which is the study of planning and leadership, especially in government and defense.
From Comedian to Politician
For many years, Jimmy Morales was a famous TV comedian. He starred in a popular show called Moralejas ("Morals") with his brother, Sammy. Because everyone knew him as Jimmy, he officially changed his name from James to Jimmy in 2011.
In 2011, Morales decided to enter politics. He first ran for mayor of Mixco, a city near Guatemala City, but did not win. In 2013, he joined a political party called the National Convergence Front (FCN) and soon became its leader.
2015 Presidential Election
In 2015, the FCN chose Morales as its candidate for president. At the time, many people in Guatemala were upset with the government. The previous president, Otto Pérez Molina, and vice president, Roxana Baldetti, had to leave office because they were accused of being dishonest with the country's money.
Morales's campaign was very different. As a political outsider, he promised to fight corruption. His slogan was "Ni corrupto, ni ladrón" which means "Neither corrupt, nor a thief." He also talked about improving education and safety.
Many voters liked his message. They were tired of traditional politicians and wanted a new leader they could trust. In the first round of voting, Morales surprised everyone by getting the most votes. He then faced former First Lady Sandra Torres in a final runoff election.
Morales won by a huge margin, getting over 67% of the vote. His victory showed that many Guatemalans wanted a big change in their country's leadership.
Presidency of Guatemala (2016–2020)
Jimmy Morales became president on January 14, 2016. In his first speech, he thanked God and asked the people of Guatemala to help him build a "new" country.
One of his first challenges was with his government team. The Minister of Communications he appointed, Sherry Ordóñez, had to resign just eleven days after starting. This was because of rules about government officials and their business activities.
Foreign Policy
As president, Morales worked with leaders from other countries. His first international trip was to Ecuador for a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean nations.
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In December 2017, Morales announced that Guatemala would move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. This followed a similar decision by the United States under President Donald Trump. Guatemala was one of the first countries to make this move.
In 2018, his government faced criticism for its response to an American policy that affected Guatemalan families trying to immigrate. This led to a change in his team, with his main spokesperson being replaced.
Life After the Presidency
After his term as president ended in 2020, Jimmy Morales remained involved in politics. In 2023, he ran for a seat in the Guatemalan Congress. His brother, Sammy Morales, also ran for president in the same election.
However, neither of them received enough votes to win. Because their political party, the FCN, did not get enough support, it was officially dissolved by the country's electoral authority.
Honors
Order of Brilliant Jade, a high honor from the Republic of China (Taiwan), given in 2017.
An honorary doctorate degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, given in 2016.
Film and Television Work
Before he was president, Jimmy Morales was a well-known actor and producer.
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
