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Julio María Sanguinetti facts for kids

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In this Spanish name, the first or paternal family name is Sanguinetti and the second or maternal family name is Coirolo.
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Julio María Sanguinetti
OSP OYC OSC ODSC OOL
PresidenteSanguinetti.jpg
Sanguinetti in 1995
35th and 37th President of Uruguay
In office
1 March 1995 – 1 March 2000
Vice President
  • Hugo Batalla
    (1995–1998)
  • Hugo Fernández Faingold
    (1998–2000)
Preceded by Luis Alberto Lacalle
Succeeded by Jorge Batlle
In office
1 March 1985 – 1 March 1990
Vice President Enrique Tarigo
Preceded by Rafael Addiego Bruno
Succeeded by Luis Alberto Lacalle
Minister of Education and Culture
In office
1 March – 27 October 1972
President Juan María Bordaberry
Preceded by Ángel Rath [es]
Succeeded by José María Robaina Ansó [es]
Minister of Industry and Commerce
In office
15 September 1969 – 2 April 1971
President Jorge Pacheco Areco
Preceded by Venancio Flores
Succeeded by Juan Pedro Amestoy
Personal details
Born (1936-01-06) 6 January 1936 (age 89)
Montevideo, Uruguay
Political party Colorado Party
Spouse Marta Canessa
Children 2
Residences Punta Carretas, Montevideo
Alma mater University of the Republic
Occupation Politician
Profession Journalist, Lawyer
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Julio María Sanguinetti Coirolo (born 6 January 1936) is a famous Uruguayan politician. He was a lawyer and journalist before becoming president. Sanguinetti served as the President of Uruguay twice. His first term was from 1985 to 1990. He was the 35th president. His second term was from 1995 to 2000, as the 37th president. He was the first leader elected after 12 years of military rule.

Sanguinetti was born in Montevideo. He studied law at the University of the Republic. He graduated in 1961. He also worked as a journalist. He wrote for newspapers like Acción. He covered important events, such as the Cuban Revolution.

He became a National Representative in 1962. Later, he served as a minister. He was the Minister of Industry and Commerce from 1969 to 1971. Then, he was the Minister of Education and Culture in 1972. He strongly opposed the military takeover in 1973.

Sanguinetti helped bring democracy back to Uruguay. He was elected president in 1984. During his first term, he worked to restore peace. He also helped Uruguay join the Southern Common Market.

Early Life and Education

Julio María Sanguinetti Coirolo was born in Montevideo on January 6, 1936. His family had Italian roots. His parents were Julio León Sanguinetti Maupe and Ema Coirolo Saravia. He grew up in a family with different political views.

He joined the Colorado Party when he was a teenager. He went to Elbio Fernández School. In 1955, he started studying at the University of the Republic. He finished his law degree in 1961.

Early Political Career

In 1963, at 27, Sanguinetti became a member of the Chamber of Representatives. He represented the Montevideo Department. In 1964, he joined Uruguay's team at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.

In 1966, Sanguinetti helped write the new Constitution. From 1967, he advised President Jorge Pacheco on international matters. In 1969, he became Minister for Industry and Commerce. He held this job until 1971.

In March 1972, President Juan María Bordaberry appointed him Minister for Education and Culture. That same year, Sanguinetti helped create the National Commission for Historical Heritage. This group works to protect Uruguay's history and culture.

Return to Democracy

In June 1973, the military took over the government. Sanguinetti lost his government positions. He also lost his job as a newspaper editor. In 1976, he was banned from political activities.

During these years, Sanguinetti worked as a journalist. He wrote articles that criticized the military government. He also started a weekly newspaper called Correo de los Viernes. He promoted cultural and sports activities. He was the Vice-President of the Peñarol Football Club.

In 1980, the public rejected a new constitution proposed by the military. Sanguinetti's political rights were given back in 1981. He led his party in talks with the army. These talks helped bring democracy back peacefully. They signed the Naval Club Pact in 1984.

In 1983, he became the leader of the Colorado Party. In August 1984, he was chosen as the party's presidential candidate. This led to the end of 12 years of military rule.

First Presidency (1985-1990)

On November 25, 1984, general elections were held. Sanguinetti won the election with 31.2% of the votes. On March 1, 1985, he became president. He replaced the temporary president, Rafael Addiego Bruno. Many foreign leaders attended his inauguration. This showed international support for Uruguay's new democracy.

Sanguinetti was seen as a modern politician. He lifted bans on political parties and leaders. He also signed a law that helped political prisoners. This law aimed to heal the country after the dictatorship.

In foreign policy, Sanguinetti re-established ties with Spain. He also started relations with China. He signed the Alvorada Act. This act helped Uruguay join a regional group. This group later became MERCOSUR.

His government focused on reducing Uruguay's large foreign debt. He also worked to prevent conflicts in Central America. He led meetings of the Group of Eight. This group later became the Río Group.

During his first term, Uruguay's economy improved. Production grew, and inflation decreased. Unemployment also stabilized. Sanguinetti worked with other political parties. They signed the National Agreement in 1986. This agreement helped pass important laws.

Towards the end of his term, the foreign debt remained high. Inflation also increased. On March 1, 1990, Sanguinetti handed over the presidency. Luis Alberto Lacalle became the new president. Sanguinetti continued to be active in journalism and politics.

Second Presidency (1995-2000)

Sanguinetti ran for president again in the 1994 elections. He won on November 27. He received 24.7% of the vote. He became president for the third time in Uruguay's history.

On March 1, 1995, Sanguinetti was sworn in. He formed a government with the National Party. This alliance helped him pass laws in parliament. They reformed the Social Security Law. They also changed the constitution.

The constitutional reform changed the electoral system. It limited each party to one presidential candidate. If no one won a majority, the top two candidates would go to a second round. This reform was approved by voters in 1997.

His economic policies helped the country grow. The economy saw high growth rates. Inflation also fell. This led to more jobs and better salaries. This positive trend was affected by the Brazilian crisis in 1998-1999. Brazil was a major buyer of Uruguayan products.

Sanguinetti hosted several MERCOSUR summits. On March 1, 2000, his second term ended. He handed the presidency to his party colleague, Jorge Batlle.

After the Presidency

After his presidencies, Sanguinetti remained active. He continued to write for newspapers. He also gave lectures in Spain.

Since 1996, he has promoted a group called the Montevideo Circle. This group includes former presidents and thinkers. They discuss important global issues.

He is also the President of the PAX Institute. This group focuses on international action. He is a member of other international forums. These groups offer advice on world affairs.

Sanguinetti supported the same-sex marriage law in Uruguay. In 2019, he ran in the presidential primaries. He was elected senator in October 2019. He later resigned from the Senate in October 2020. He announced he would focus on his party work.

Writings

Sanguinetti has received many honorary degrees. These are from universities around the world. He has also written many books. His books cover topics like the Uruguayan Constitution and nationalism. Some of his book titles include:

  • Alcances y aplicaciones de la nueva Constitución uruguaya (1967)
  • La nación, el nacionalismo y otros ismos (1978)
  • El temor y la impaciencia (1991)
  • El año 501 (1992)
  • Un mundo sin Marx (1993)
  • Meditaciones del milenio (1994)
  • El doctor Figari (2002)
  • La agonía de una democracia (2008)
  • La reconquista, Proceso de la restauración democrática en Uruguay (1980-1990) (2012)
  • Retratos desde la memoria (2015)
  • El cronista y la historia (2017)

Personal Life

Julio María Sanguinetti is married to Marta Canessa. She is a historian and journalist. They have two children, Julio Luis and Emma. Both of their children are lawyers.

Honours

Foreign Honours

Awards

In 2007, Sanguinetti received the FCG International Award. This award was for his lifetime achievements. It was given by the Cristóbal Gabarrón Foundation from Spain.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Julio María Sanguinetti para niños

  • Politics of Uruguay
  • List of political families#Uruguay
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