Osvaldo Hurtado facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Osvaldo Hurtado
Official portrait, 1981
34th President of Ecuador
In office 24 May 1981 – 10 August 1984
Vice President	León Roldós Aguilera (1981–1984)
Preceded by	Jaime Roldós Aguilera
Succeeded by	León Febres Cordero
Vice President of Ecuador
In office 10 August 1979 – 24 May 1981
President	Jaime Roldós Aguilera
Preceded by	None
Succeeded by	Blasco Peñaherrera Padilla
President of the 1998 Constitutional Assembly
In office 20 December 1997 – 8 May 1998
Personal details
Born	Luis Osvaldo Hurtado Larrea (1939-06-26) 26 June 1939 (age 86) Chambo, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador
Political party	Popular Democracy
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Spouse	Margarita Pérez Pallares ​ (m. 1968)​
Children	5
Alma mater	Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Occupation	Political scientist

Luis Osvaldo Hurtado Larrea (born 26 June 1939) is an Ecuadorian author and politician. He served as the President of Ecuador from May 24, 1981, to August 10, 1984.

Early Life and Education

Osvaldo Hurtado was born in Chambo, a town in the Chimborazo Province of Ecuador. He grew up in a country that was going through many changes.

During the 1960s, Hurtado studied at the Catholic University. He became a very active student leader there. After finishing his studies, he taught political sociology. He taught at his own university and at the Centro Andino of the University of New Mexico.

Becoming a Political Thinker

Hurtado became one of the most respected political thinkers in Ecuador. In 1977, he wrote an important book. It was called El Poder Político en el Ecuador, which means "Political Power in Ecuador." This book helped many people understand how politics worked in his home country.

He also helped create a new political movement. This movement attracted young professionals and people who believed in progressive Catholic ideas. It was inspired by ideas of community and helping the poor. This group was called the Christian Democrats. It was one of the most forward-thinking non-Marxist parties in Ecuador at the time. In 1978, he joined his Christian Democrats with another group. They formed a new party called Popular Democracy.

From Vice President to President

In 1979, Osvaldo Hurtado was chosen to run for Vice President. He was the running mate for Jaime Roldós Aguilera, who was running for President. Roldós Aguilera won the election, and Hurtado became the Vice President of Ecuador.

Sadly, on May 24, 1981, President Jaime Roldós Aguilera died in a plane crash. According to the country's laws, Osvaldo Hurtado then became the President of Ecuador. He finished the rest of Roldós Aguilera's term in office. He served as president until August 10, 1984.

Later Activities

After his presidency, Osvaldo Hurtado continued to be involved in important groups. He is a member of the Club de Madrid. This is a group of former democratic presidents and prime ministers. He is also part of the Inter-American Dialogue. This group works to improve understanding and cooperation in the Americas.

See also

In Spanish: Osvaldo Hurtado Larrea para niños