Laurentino Cortizo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laurentino Cortizo
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Cortizo in 2019
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| 38th President of Panama | |
| In office 1 July 2019 – 1 July 2024 |
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| Vice President | Jose Gabriel Carrizo |
| Preceded by | Juan Carlos Varela |
| Succeeded by | José Raúl Mulino |
| Minister of Agricultural Development | |
| In office 1 September 2004 – 10 January 2006 |
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| President | Martín Torrijos |
| Preceded by | Lynette Stanziola |
| Succeeded by | Guillermo Salazar |
| 38th President of the National Assembly | |
| In office 1 September 2000 – 31 August 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Enrique Garrido |
| Succeeded by | Rubén Arosemena |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 January 1953 Panama City, Panama |
| Political party | Solidarity Party (1983–2004) Democratic Revolutionary Party (2004–present) |
| Spouse | Yazmín Colón de Cortizo |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Norwich University (B.B.A.) St. Edwards University (M.B.A.) University of Texas at Austin |
Laurentino "Nito" Cortizo Cohen (born 30 January 1953) is a Panamanian politician. He served as the 38th President of Panama from 2019 to 2024. Before becoming president, he held other important roles.
He was the President of the National Assembly from 2000 to 2001. He also served as the Minister of Agricultural and Livestock Development. Cortizo was a member of the National Assembly for Colón Province for ten years.
As a member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, he won the 2019 general election. He officially took office on 1 July 2019. His term as president ended on 1 July 2024.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Laurentino Cortizo Cohen was born in Panama City, Panama. His father was from Spain, and his mother had Jewish heritage. He was the oldest of six children in his family.
Cortizo went to Javier Elementary School. He finished his high school education in Nicaragua. Later, he attended the Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania, USA. He then studied at Norwich University in Vermont. This is the oldest military college in the United States.
He continued his studies at St. Edwards University. There, he earned a master's degree in business administration. He also did doctoral work at the University of Texas at Austin.
Early Career in Public Service
After finishing his studies, Cortizo moved to Washington, D.C., in 1981. He worked as an advisor for the Organization of American States (OAS). This organization helps countries in North and South America work together.
In 1986, Cortizo became Panama's alternate ambassador to the OAS. During this time, he was part of important committees. He worked on budget plans and helped groups focused on business. He also led a group that looked at development issues in Central American countries.
Political Journey
Cortizo was a member of Panama's National Assembly from 1994 to 2004. He was known for being a moderate member of his political party. In 2000, he became the President of the National Assembly. He held this position until 2001.
He also served as the Minister of Agricultural and Livestock Development. He worked under President Martín Torrijos. However, he resigned from this role in 2006. He disagreed with some parts of the trade agreement being discussed with the United States.
Personal Life
Laurentino Cortizo is married to Yazmín Colón de Cortizo. They have two children, a daughter named Carolina and a son named Jorge. Carolina works as a director for an airline called Wingo.
In June 2022, Cortizo shared that he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. This is a condition that affects how the body makes blood cells. Cortizo is a devoted Catholic. He often reads the Bible.
See also
In Spanish: Laurentino Cortizo para niños
