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Líber Seregni
Líber Seregni 1971.jpg
Seregni in 1971
Born (1916-12-13)December 13, 1916
Died July 31, 2004(2004-07-31) (aged 87)
Nationality Uruguayan
Occupation Military officer
Politician
Political party Colorado Party (until 1971)
Broad Front (from 1971)
Spouse(s) Lilí Lerena
Children 2
Honours Lenin Peace Prize
Military career
Allegiance Uruguay
Service/branch National Army
Rank Commander

Líber Seregni Mosquera (born December 13, 1916 – died July 31, 2004) was an important Uruguayan military officer and politician. He was known for helping to create a major political group in Uruguay.

When he was younger, Seregni was part of the Colorado Party. He had a very successful career in the military under different governments from this party. He retired from the military in 1968.

In 1971, Seregni left the Colorado Party. He then started a new political group called the Broad Front (which in Spanish is Frente Amplio). This group brought together many left-wing political ideas. He ran for president in the 1971 elections as the Broad Front's candidate.

Later, during a time when the military ruled Uruguay, he was arrested and put in prison. He was set free in 1984. In 1989, he ran for president again in the general elections.

Early Life and Education

Líber Seregni was born on December 13, 1916. His birthplace was in a neighborhood called Palermo in the city of Montevideo, Uruguay.

He went to primary school at "Escuela Brasil," which means "Brazil School." This school was located in the Pocitos neighborhood.

In 1937, when he was a young man, he was arrested. This happened because he took part in a protest to support the government of Spain at that time, known as the Second Spanish Republic.

Military Career and Achievements

Seregni joined the Army of Uruguay in 1931. Just three years later, he was promoted to the rank of Alférez, which is a junior officer. He continued to rise through the ranks.

  • In 1958, he became a colonel.
  • By 1963, he reached the high rank of general.

In 1959, General Seregni helped organize a big rescue effort. He led the evacuation of the city of Paso de los Toros. This was necessary because the city was flooded during the Uruguayan floods of April 1959.

He also worked as a Military attaché for Uruguay. This meant he represented Uruguay's military in other countries. He served in the Uruguayan Embassies in Mexico and the United States of America.

Seregni was also put in charge of different military areas in Uruguay. He commanded the second military region in San José. After that, he commanded the first military region in the Montevideo area.

Political Journey and Later Years

In 1971, Líber Seregni ran for president as the candidate for the Frente Amplio. He did not win, coming in third place with 18.3% of the votes.

From 1973 to 1984, Uruguay was under a military dictatorship. During this time, Seregni was imprisoned. He was released when the dictatorship ended in 1984.

After his release, he tried again to become president in 1989. This was his second attempt, and he received 20.35% of the votes, placing second.

Líber Seregni passed away on July 31, 2004. He died from pancreatic cancer. His death happened just three months before the Frente Amplio, the party he helped create, won the presidential elections in 2004.

He was given a State funeral, which is a special honor. The government at the time, led by the Colorado Party, arranged this funeral for him.

Personal Life

Líber Seregni married Lilí Lerena in 1941. They had two daughters together, named Bethel and Giselle.

Honors and Recognition

Líber Seregni received several important honors during his life and after his death:

  • Lenin Peace Prize: He was awarded this international prize between 1980 and 1982.
  • State Funeral: In 2004, he was honored with a funeral that was paid for and organized by the state.

See Also

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