Lino Oviedo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lino Oviedo
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 September 1943 Juan de Mena, Paraguay |
| Died | 2 February 2013 (aged 69) Presidente Hayes, Paraguay |
| Political party | Colorado Party (–2002) National Union of Ethical Citizens (2002–2013) |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | Army |
| Rank | General |
Lino César Oviedo Silva (born September 23, 1943 – died February 2, 2013) was an important political and military leader in Paraguay. He led a political party called the National Union of Ethical Citizens. This party started in 2002, after he left the Colorado Party.
Contents
Lino Oviedo's Life and Career
Early Years and Military Service
Lino Oviedo was born in a small town called Juan de Mena in Paraguay. He grew up in a family that didn't have much money. When he was older, he decided to join the army. He studied in Germany and became a close helper to General Andrés Rodríguez.
In 1993, Lino Oviedo became the chief of the Paraguayan Army. This was a very high position.
Political Challenges and Exile
In 1996, the President at the time, Juan Carlos Wasmosy, asked Oviedo to leave his army job. Oviedo did not want to step down. This caused a lot of tension and a big political problem. After several days, the President offered him a different job as Defence Minister. However, the President changed his mind because many people protested. Oviedo then left the military.
After leaving the army, Oviedo decided to try for president. He wanted to be the candidate for the Colorado Party. He was very good at speaking to crowds and promised many things to the people. He became very popular and was leading in the polls for the 1998 presidential elections.
But, a month before the election, he was sent to prison. He was found guilty of a military problem from 1996 and was sentenced to ten years. His running mate, Raúl Cubas, continued the election campaign. Cubas promised to free Oviedo if he won. Cubas did win the election and freed Oviedo just a few days after becoming president. This caused more problems with the Supreme Court and other political leaders.
In March 1999, a very important political opponent of Oviedo and President Cubas was killed. This led to big riots and political chaos in Paraguay, known as Marzo paraguayo. Because of these events, President Cubas resigned. Oviedo then had to leave the country. He went to Argentina first, and then to Brazil.
Return to Paraguay and Release
On June 28, 2004, Lino Oviedo returned to Paraguay. The police arrested him, and he was taken to a military prison near Asunción. He was still serving his ten-year sentence.
In November 2006, a man named Tomás Velázquez went on a hunger strike in Asunción. He was protesting because he believed Oviedo was being treated unfairly by politicians. He said that the military court that had found Oviedo guilty was not legal.
On October 30, 2007, the Supreme Court of Paraguay changed its decision. They said that Oviedo's conviction was wrong. This meant that Oviedo was free to run in the next presidential election.
Later Political Career and Death
In January 2008, Lino Oviedo was chosen as the candidate for his party, the National Union of Ethical Citizens (UNACE). He ran in the 2008 Paraguayan presidential election. He received 22.8% of the votes, but he lost to Fernando Lugo.
Lino Oviedo had a nephew, Lino César Oviedo Sánchez, who also became a politician. He has been a member of the Senate of Paraguay for the UNACE party since 2008.
Lino Oviedo died on the night of February 2, 2013. He was in a helicopter accident near Puerto Antequera in the Chaco region of Paraguay. He was flying back to Asunción after attending a political meeting. His death was confirmed the next day by a police rescue team.
See also
In Spanish: Lino Oviedo para niños
