Juan Carlos Wasmosy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Carlos Wasmosy
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Wasmosy in 2023
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| 44th President of Paraguay | |
| In office August 15, 1993 – August 15, 1998 |
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| Vice President | Ángel Roberto Seifart |
| Preceded by | Andrés Rodríguez |
| Succeeded by | Raúl Cubas Grau |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 15, 1938 Asuncion, Paraguay |
| Political party | Colorado Party (1960–2000) |
| Spouse | María Teresa Carrasco |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents |
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| Education | Universidad Nacional de Asunción |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Civil Engineer |
Juan Carlos Wasmosy Monti (born December 15, 1938) is a former politician and engineer from Paraguay. He served as the 44th President of Paraguay from 1993 to 1998. He was a member of the Colorado Party. Wasmosy was important because he was the first president chosen by a truly free election in Paraguay. He was also the first president who was not a military leader in 39 years.
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Early Life and Career
Juan Carlos Wasmosy was born in Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay. He studied to become a civil engineer. This means he learned how to design and build things like roads, bridges, and large buildings.
He became the head of the Paraguayan group working on the huge Itaipu Dam project. This dam is one of the largest in the world. Before becoming president, he worked as a minister under President Andrés Rodríguez.
Family Background
Wasmosy's family came from Debrecen, Hungary, in 1828. Their original family name was Vámosy, which later changed to Wasmosy in South America. A famous Brazilian writer, Alceu Wamosy, was also from this family. In 1995, during an official visit to Hungary, Juan Carlos Wasmosy visited the hometown of his ancestors.
Becoming President
President Andrés Rodríguez supported Wasmosy to become the next president. In the 1993 elections, Wasmosy won with almost 42 percent of the votes. This election is seen as the first mostly free and fair election in Paraguay's history. Paraguay had gained its independence in 1811.
Even though there were some reports of problems, a group of international observers, led by former US President Jimmy Carter, said that Wasmosy's win was clear enough. Carter also noted that other candidates together received 60 percent of the votes. This was a big change for Paraguay. For a long time, especially during the 35-year rule of Alfredo Stroessner, it was very hard for anyone who disagreed with the government to have a say.
Presidency and Challenges
During his time as president, Wasmosy faced some challenges. He appointed many people who had supported the previous government to important jobs. He also did not continue some of the changes that President Rodríguez had started.
Wasmosy was a conservative leader. He supported policies that aimed to improve the economy by allowing more private businesses. For example, he oversaw the sale of the national airline, the merchant fleet, and the steel company to private owners.
In April 1996, there was a situation involving Lino Oviedo, who was the head of the Paraguayan army. Wasmosy dealt with this by offering Oviedo a position, but later Oviedo was put in prison.
End of Term
The 1992 constitution of Paraguay does not allow a president to run for re-election. This rule was put in place to prevent leaders from staying in power for too long, like in the past. Because of this rule, Wasmosy could not run for president again in 1998. Raúl Cubas was chosen to run for the Colorado Party and won the next election.
After his presidency, Juan Carlos Wasmosy became a senator for life. This is a special position given to former presidents of Paraguay.
See also
In Spanish: Juan Carlos Wasmosy para niños
