Pedro Pires facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pedro Pires
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Pires in 2005
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| 3rd President of Cape Verde | |
| In office 22 March 2001 – 9 September 2011 |
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| Prime Minister | José Maria Neves |
| Preceded by | António Mascarenhas Monteiro |
| Succeeded by | Jorge Carlos Fonseca |
| Prime Minister of Cape Verde | |
| In office 8 July 1975 – 4 April 1991 |
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| President | Aristides Pereira António Mascarenhas Monteiro |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Veiga |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Pedro Verona Rodrigues Pires
29 April 1934 Fogo, Portuguese Cape Verde |
| Political party | African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde |
| Spouse | Adélcia Barreto |
| Alma mater | University of Lisbon |
Pedro de Verona Rodrigues Pires, born on April 29, 1934, is an important politician from Cape Verde. He served as the Prime Minister of Cape Verde for many years, from 1975 to 1991. Later, he became the President of Cape Verde, holding that position from 2001 to 2011.
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Pedro Pires's Early Life and Education
Pedro Pires was born in São Filipe, Fogo, which is an island in Cape Verde. His parents were Luís Rodrigues Pires and Maria Fidalga Lopes.
He went to high school in Cape Verde during the 1950s. After that, he studied at the University of Lisbon in Portugal. In 1962, he left Portugal and traveled to several countries. He received training in places like Cuba, the Soviet Union, and Guinea-Bissau.
Before Cape Verde became independent, he returned home on October 13, 1974.
Becoming Prime Minister
Just three days after Cape Verde gained its independence in 1975, Pedro Pires became the country's first Prime Minister. At that time, Cape Verde was a one-party state. This means only one political party, the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), was in charge.
As Prime Minister, he spoke out against apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation and discrimination. He also opposed other countries interfering in Africa. From 1986 to 1990, he also served as the Minister of Finance.
In February 1990, the ruling PAICV party decided to allow more than one political party. This change led to a multiparty democracy. Pedro Pires became the General Secretary of the PAICV in August 1990. However, the PAICV lost the elections in 1991 and became an opposition party.
After Being Prime Minister
In August 1993, Pedro Pires was elected as the President of the PAICV party. He stepped down from this role in 2000. This was to prepare for his campaign to become president of Cape Verde.
Pires ran for president in the 2001 Cape Verdean presidential election. He won the election by a very small number of votes. He defeated Carlos Veiga, who was a former prime minister. Pedro Pires officially became president on March 22, 2001. After becoming president, he appointed José Maria Neves as the new prime minister.
Serving as President
As president, Pedro Pires worked on important international relationships. In April 2002, he received a special award from Portugal. It was called the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry.
In June 2005, he honored Sergio Frusoni, a famous poet from Cape Verde. He called him one of the greatest Crioulo poets. He also met with the French Minister of Cooperation to discuss working with the European Union. They talked about getting special status for Cape Verde and fighting insecurity.
In October 2005, President Pires visited Brazil. He met with the Brazilian president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
He ran for a second term as president in the 2006 Cape Verdean presidential election. Again, he won against Carlos Veiga. This time, he won in the first round of voting.
In May 2008, he shared his ideas about a "United States of Africa." He believed that countries should first work together in their regions. This regional cooperation should happen before forming a continent-wide union.
After His Presidency
Pedro Pires was honored with the 2011 Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. This award recognized his role in making Cape Verde a strong democracy. Cape Verde became known as a "model of democracy, stability and increased prosperity" under his leadership. The prize also included a large sum of money.
Pedro Pires's Family Life
Pedro Pires is married to Adélcia Barreto Pires. They have two children together, named Sara and Indira.
Awards and Honors
Pedro Pires has received many awards and honors from Cape Verde and other countries.
Awards from Cape Verde
- Order of Amílcar Cabral
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Awards from Other Countries
- From Cuba: Order of José Martí
- From Gambia: Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of the Gambia, 2008
- From Guinea-Bissau: Amílcar Cabral Medal
- From Portugal: Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry, 2002
- From Portugal: Grand Collar of the Order of Christ, 1986
- From Senegal: Grand Cross of the National Order of the Lion
- From Timor Leste: Grand Collar of the Order of East Timor, 2011
Other Honors
- He received an honorary doctorate degree from Lusophony University of Human Sciences in 2011. This was for his work in political sciences.
See also
In Spanish: Pedro Pires para niños
