kids encyclopedia robot

Juan Manuel Galán facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Juan Manuel Galán
Juan Manuel Galan.jpg
Galán in 2017
President of the New Liberalism Party
Assumed office
6 July 2021 (2021-07-06)
Preceded by Position established
Senator of Colombia
In office
20 July 2006 (2006-07-20) – 20 July 2018 (2018-07-20)
Personal details
Born
Luis Carlos Galán Pachón

(1972-07-29) 29 July 1972 (age 53)
Bogotá, D.C., Colombia
Political party Liberal
Other political
affiliations
New Liberalism (since 1990)
Spouse
Carmenza Lian Barrera
(m. 2002)
Relations Carlos Fernando Galán (brother)
Children 2
Parents Luis Carlos Galán (father)
Gloria Pachón (mother)
Alma mater
  • École des Hautes Études Internationales (LEI, 1996; MEI, 1997)
  • Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (MSFS, 2003)
Profession Political Scientist

Juan Manuel Galán Pachón (born 29 July 1972) is a Colombian politician. He has served as a Senator of Colombia and is known for his work in public service. He is the son of Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento, a well-known political leader. Juan Manuel Galán helped restart his father's political party, New Liberalism, in 2021.

Juan Manuel Galán's Career Journey

Juan Manuel Galán finished school in Bogotá in 1989. This was the same year his father passed away. His family then moved to France. There, he studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies. He earned a Certificate of Political Studies in 1992.

He continued his studies at the École des Hautes Études Internationales in Paris. He received a degree in International Affairs in 1996. In 1997, he earned a Master's degree in International Affairs. His master's paper was about a new way of doing politics in Colombia. Later, in 2003, he earned another Master's degree from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Starting in Politics

In 1997, Galán returned to Colombia. He quickly became involved in politics, following in his father's footsteps. He supported different candidates in elections. He also spoke out against people who he felt were using his father's name for their own political gain.

In 1998, he worked as the youth director for a presidential campaign. After the candidate won, Galán was named Deputy Director for Youth at the Ministry of National Education.

In 2004, he became a special representative for Colombia in London. He worked at the Colombian Embassy. He left this role in 2005 to run for the Senate.

Serving in the Senate

Galán ran for the Senate in the 2006 elections. He was part of the Liberal party list. He received many votes and became a Senator. During this time, he worked on the Senate's Second Commission. This group handles foreign affairs and national defense.

He ran for Senate again in 2010. This time, he led the Liberal party's list. He again received a high number of votes. He continued to serve in the Senate. He is currently a member of the Senate's First Commission. This commission deals with laws and internal government matters.

Juan Manuel Galán's Views

Juan Manuel Galán has clear views on several important topics.

Public Health and Well-being

Galán believes in new approaches to public health. He supports policies that focus on health care for people who use certain substances. He helped create Law 1566 of 2012. This law states that using or being dependent on certain substances is a public health issue. It means that treatment for this should be part of the public health care system. He believes this approach is better than focusing only on punishment.

Right to Decide on Medical Care

Galán supports the idea of individuals having the right to make choices about their own medical care. This includes difficult decisions about ending suffering. He has worked to create laws that would help regulate these practices in Colombia. He believes that no one should be forced to suffer. He feels that people should have the chance to decide about their medical journey with their families.

Equal Rights for All Couples

In 2013, Galán voted to support the recognition of same-sex unions in Colombia. He believes that same-sex couples should have the same rights as other couples. He voted in favor of marriage for same-sex couples.

Juan Manuel Galán's Family Life

Juan Manuel Galán was born in Bogotá. His parents were Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento and Gloria Pachón Castro. He is the oldest of three brothers. His younger brothers are Claudio Mario and Carlos Fernando.

His father, Luis Carlos, was a former Education Minister and Senator. He was a presidential candidate. In 1989, his father was tragically killed by people working for a powerful criminal leader. Juan Manuel's maternal aunt, Maruja, was also kidnapped a year later. This was part of an effort to pressure the government on certain agreements. Juan Manuel's father had supported these agreements.

kids search engine
Juan Manuel Galán Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.