José Miguel Insulza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Miguel Insulza
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| Senator of the Republic of Chile for the Arica y Parinacota Region |
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| Assumed office March 11, 2018 |
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| 9th Secretary General of the Organization of American States | |
| In office May 26, 2005 – May 26, 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Luigi R. Einaudi (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Luis Almagro |
| Minister of the Interior | |
| In office March 11, 2000 – May 24, 2005 |
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| President | Ricardo Lagos |
| Preceded by | Raúl Troncoso Castillo |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Vidal Salinas |
| Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency | |
| In office June 22, 1999 – March 11, 2000 |
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| President | Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle |
| Preceded by | John Biel del Río |
| Succeeded by | Alvaro García Hurtado |
| Minister of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office September 20, 1994 – June 22, 1999 |
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| President | Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle |
| Preceded by | Carlos Figueroa Serrano |
| Succeeded by | Juan Gabriel Valdés |
| Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs | |
| In office March 11, 1994 – September 20, 1994 |
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| President | Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 June 1943 Santiago, Chile |
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| Other political affiliations |
Puebla Group (since 2019) |
| Spouse | Georgina Núñez Reyes |
| Parents | Agustín Insulza Fuentes Ana Salinas Cordovez |
| Education |
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| Signature |  |
José Miguel Insulza Salinas (born June 2, 1943) is a well-known Chilean politician, lawyer, and teacher. He is currently a senator for the Arica y Parinacota Region in Chile, a role he has held since 2018.
Before becoming a senator, Insulza served in many important government jobs. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 1999. He also served as Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency from 1999 to 2000 under President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle. Later, he became Minister of the Interior from 2000 to 2005 under President Ricardo Lagos. One of his most important roles was being the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) from 2005 to 2015.
In Chile, José Miguel Insulza is sometimes called El Panzer. This nickname means "The Tank" and refers to his strong, determined way of handling political challenges. He is known for being able to face tough situations without seeming to be harmed. He is married to Georgina Núñez Reyes and they have three children.
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Insulza's Early Life and Schooling
José Miguel Insulza went to St. George's College in Santiago, Chile. This was an English-language school. Even when he was young, he showed interest in public service.
While studying law at the University of Chile, he was very active. He was the president of the Law Students Center. He also served as vice president of the University of Chile Student Federation (FECH). Later, he became the President of the National Association of Student Unions (UFUCH).
After finishing law school, he continued his studies. He earned a graduate degree from the Latin American Social Sciences Faculty (FLACSO). He also got a Master of Arts degree in political science from the University of Michigan in the United States. Before 1973, he taught Political Theory at the University of Chile. He also taught Political Science at the Catholic University in Chile.
Insulza's Political Journey
Starting His Political Path
From 1969 to 1973, Insulza was a member of the Popular Unitary Action Movement (MAPU). He tried to become a deputy (a type of representative) for Santiago in the 1973 Chilean parliamentary election. However, he did not win that election. In 1973, he worked as a Political Advisor for Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was also the Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Chile.
Living Away from Chile
After the 1973 Chilean coup d'état, José Miguel Insulza was not allowed to return to Chile. At the time, he was at a conference in Paris. He lived outside Chile for 15 years. First, he lived in Rome, Italy, from 1974 to 1981. Then, he moved to Mexico and lived there from 1981 to 1988.
In Mexico, he worked as a researcher. He became the Director of the United States Studies Institute at the Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE). He also taught at several universities, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico. During this time, he wrote many articles and books in his field. In 1985, he joined the Socialist Party of Chile.
Coming Back to Chile
Insulza returned to Chile in early 1988. He joined the Concertación group, which was a coalition of left-leaning political parties. He was a member of the Socialist Party within this group.
After Chile's military rule ended, Insulza was appointed as the Chilean Ambassador for International Cooperation in 1990. Later, he became the Director of Multilateral Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also served as Vice President of the International Cooperation Agency (AGCI). He became a member of several important Chilean associations.
On March 11, 1994, Insulza became the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs. This was under President Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle. On September 20, 1994, he was promoted to Minister of Foreign Affairs. On June 22, 1999, he became Minister Secretary-General of the Presidency. Then, on March 11, 2000, he took office as Minister of the Interior under President Ricardo Lagos.
Leading the Organization of American States
José Miguel Insulza was chosen as the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) on May 2, 2005. The OAS is a group of countries in North and South America that work together on various issues. He was elected after another candidate, Luis Ernesto Derbez, withdrew from the race.
In 2007, Insulza spoke out against Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez's decision. Chávez had decided not to renew the broadcast license for a TV channel called RCTV. Chávez had accused the station of trying to cause a coup d'état. Chávez then called for Insulza to resign. However, Insulza received support from many OAS member countries, including the United States. Chávez later admitted he had spoken too strongly.
In 2008, Chávez actually congratulated Insulza. This was after Insulza stated that there was no proof linking Venezuela to terrorist groups. He said this during a presentation to the United States House of Representatives.
Insulza had planned to run for President of Chile. However, he decided not to on January 5, 2009. He promised to continue his work as Secretary General of the OAS until his term ended. He then supported Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle as the candidate for president from the Concertación group.
On March 24, 2010, Insulza was reelected as the head of the OAS for another five-year term. He was the only candidate for the position.
Insulza received important awards for his work. In 2008, he won the Human Rights Award from the Washington Office on Latin America. In 2014, he was given the Kalman H. Silvert Award by the Council on Hemispheric Affairs.
Recent Activities
In 2019, Insulza attended the first meeting of the Puebla Group in Buenos Aires. This group is made up of left-leaning political leaders.
Images for kids
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José Miguel Insulza
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José Miguel Insulza's signature
See also
In Spanish: José Miguel Insulza para niños
