Mario Abdo Benítez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mario Abdo Benítez
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Abdo Benítez in 2023
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| 51st President of Paraguay | |
| In office 15 August 2018 – 15 August 2023 |
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| Vice President | Hugo Velázquez |
| Preceded by | Horacio Cartes |
| Succeeded by | Santiago Peña |
| President of the Senate of Paraguay | |
| In office 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Blas Llano |
| Succeeded by | Roberto Acevedo Penedo |
| Senator of Paraguay | |
| In office 1 July 2013 – 1 March 2018 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 November 1971 Asunción, Paraguay |
| Political party | Colorado |
| Spouses |
Fátima Díaz
(divorced)Silvana López Moreira
(m. 2007) |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Teikyo Post University |
| Nickname | Marito |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |
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| Years of service | 1989–early 1990s |
| Rank | Second lieutenant |
Mario Abdo Benítez (born November 10, 1971), also known as "Marito," is a politician from Paraguay. He served as the 51st president of Paraguay from 2018 to 2023. Before becoming president, he was a senator and was the president of the Senate from 2015 to 2016.
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Early Life and Education
Mario Abdo Benítez was born in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, on November 10, 1971. His father, Mario Abdo Benítez Sr., was a powerful politician who worked closely with Alfredo Stroessner, the president who led Paraguay for 35 years. His father's family originally came from Lebanon.
When he was 16, Abdo Benítez moved to the United States. He went to college at Teikyo Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut, where he earned a degree in marketing. In 1989, after finishing high school, he joined the Paraguayan Armed Forces. He became a Second Lieutenant and a trained paratrooper.
Political Career
Abdo Benítez started his political journey in 2005. He joined the Colorado Party, one of the main political parties in Paraguay. He quickly moved up and became the vice president of the party. In 2015, his fellow senators elected him as the president of the Senate of Paraguay.
Because his father was a close advisor to the former leader Alfredo Stroessner, Abdo Benítez has faced questions about his views on that time in Paraguay's history. He has said that he believes Stroessner did good things for the country. However, he also made it clear that he does not support the harsh actions and human rights abuses that happened during that period.
Presidency of Paraguay
How He Was Elected
In 2017, Abdo Benítez won the primary election for the Colorado Party to become their candidate for president. In the main election in April 2018, he won against his opponent, Efraín Alegre. Abdo Benítez received about 46% of the vote. At 46 years old, he became one of the youngest presidents in Paraguay's modern history.
He officially became president on August 15, 2018.
Domestic Policy
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As president, Abdo Benítez wanted to make changes to the country's court system, which many people felt was unfair. He also held conservative views on social issues.
In 2019, he faced a major challenge. A deal he signed with Brazil about the Itaipu Dam, a huge power plant on the border, was very unpopular. Many people in Paraguay felt the deal was bad for their country. Some politicians even tried to impeach him, which is a process to remove a president from office. To solve the problem, Abdo Benítez canceled the agreement.
During his presidency, Paraguay's economy slowed down. Many people were unhappy with his government. A popular phrase, "Desastre ko Marito" (a mix of Guarani and Spanish meaning "Marito is a disaster"), was used to show this frustration.
Foreign Policy
In foreign affairs, Abdo Benítez made some important decisions. In 2018, he moved Paraguay's embassy in Israel from Jerusalem back to Tel Aviv. He said the decision to move it was made without his input. This caused tension with the Israeli government.
In 2019, he cut diplomatic ties with Venezuela. He announced that Paraguay would recognize opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's president instead of Nicolás Maduro. He later welcomed Guaidó to the presidential palace in Asunción.
Personal Life
Mario Abdo Benítez was first married to Fátima María Díaz, and they had two sons together. After they divorced, he married Silvana López Moreira, and they have one son.
Honours
Throughout his career, Abdo Benítez has received several awards from other countries.
Taiwan: Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Jade (2018)
Bolivia: Grand Collar of the Order of the Condor of the Andes (2019)
Colombia: Grand Collar of the Order of Boyaca (2022)
Italy: Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2023)
Images for kids
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Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with then-President-elect of Paraguay Abdo Benítez in June 2018.
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See also
In Spanish: Mario Abdo Benítez para niños
