Álvaro Arzú facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Álvaro Arzú
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| 32nd President of Guatemala | |
| In office 14 January 1996 – 14 January 2000 |
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| Vice President | Luis Alberto Flores Asturias |
| Preceded by | Ramiro de León Carpio |
| Succeeded by | Alfonso Portillo |
| Mayor of Guatemala City | |
| In office 14 January 2004 – 27 April 2018 |
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| Deputy | Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus |
| Preceded by | Fritz García Gallont |
| Succeeded by | Ricardo Quiñónez Lemus |
| In office 14 January 1986 – 1990 |
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| Preceded by | José Angel Lee Arturo Saravia |
| Succeeded by | Álvaro Heredia Óscar Berger |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Álvaro Enrique Arzú Yrigoyen
14 March 1946 Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Died | 27 April 2018 (aged 72) Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Political party | National Advancement Party / Unionist Party |
| Spouses | Sylvia García Granados (1969–1981) Patricia Escobar de Arzú (1981–2018; his death) |
| Children | Roberto Arzú Diego Arzú María Arzú Álvaro Arzú Isabel Arzú |
Álvaro Enrique Arzú Yrigoyen (born March 14, 1946 – died April 27, 2018) was an important leader in Guatemala. He served as the 32nd President of Guatemala from 1996 to 2000. Before and after being president, he was also the Mayor of Guatemala City many times. He was mayor in 1986, and then again from 2004 until he passed away in 2018.
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Becoming a Leader
Álvaro Arzú was born in Guatemala City. He studied law and social sciences at Rafael Landívar University. In 1978, he became the head of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT). This government office helps promote tourism in Guatemala.
In 1981, he was chosen to be the mayor of Guatemala City. However, a military group took control of the government in 1982. This meant the election results were cancelled. Even though the military offered him a job, he chose not to take it. He later became mayor in 1986 after winning another election.
In 1989, his political group became the National Advancement Party (PAN). Arzú ran for president in 1990 but did not win. In 1991, he became the Minister for Foreign Affairs. This job involves working with other countries. He left this role later that year because he disagreed with the president's decision to improve relations with Belize. Guatemala and Belize had a long-standing disagreement over some land.
His Time as President
Álvaro Arzú won the presidential election in 1995. He became president in January 1996. His biggest achievement as president was signing a peace agreement. This agreement was made with a group called the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG). It officially ended Guatemala's 36-year-long civil war.
The peace talks had been happening since 1990. President Arzú gave them a big push forward. He met with the URNG in Mexico in February 1996. A ceasefire, which means fighting stops, happened soon after. Many peace agreements were signed throughout that year. The final agreement was signed on December 29, 1996.
As part of the peace agreement, Arzú's government suggested changes to the country's rules, called the Constitution of Guatemala. These changes included making the army smaller. They also aimed to recognize the rights of Guatemala's native communities. However, these suggested changes were not approved by the public in a vote in 1999.
During Arzú's time as president, Guatemala's roads were improved. More people also got access to electricity and telephones. Some public companies were sold to private businesses. This included the electric company, the telephone company, and the national airline. This decision was criticized by some people.
His government also faced some big challenges. In 1998, a religious leader named Archbishop Juan José Gerardi was murdered. Also, Hurricane Mitch caused a lot of damage that same year. Despite these challenges, Guatemala's economy grew. The cost of goods also became more stable.
Later Life and Passing
After his time as president, Arzú continued to be involved in politics. He served in the Central American Parliament from 2000 to 2004. He was then elected mayor of Guatemala City again in 2003. He won the mayoral election three more times: in 2007, 2011, and 2015. He was still serving as mayor when he passed away.
As mayor, he started the Transmetro bus system. This system helps people travel around the city quickly. He also worked to improve the historical center of Guatemala City.
In his last years, Álvaro Arzú spoke out against some anti-corruption efforts. He believed they were unfair. On April 27, 2018, he had a heart attack while playing golf. He passed away in the hospital later that day.
Family and Hobbies
Álvaro Arzú had five children. Three children were with his first wife, Sylvia García Granados. Two children were with his second wife, Patricia Escobar. His son, Álvaro Arzú Escobar, also became a leader. He was the president of the Congress of Guatemala.
Arzú was also a talented athlete. He was the national champion in squash rackets many times.
Awards and Recognition
- 1996: He received the UNESCO's Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize.
- 1997: During his presidency, the government of Guatemala received Spain's Prince of Asturias Award for International Co-operation.
- He also received the Monseñor Leonidas Proaño Human Rights Prize.
- 2005: He was ranked third in the World Mayor contest.
Images for kids
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Official photo of President Álvaro Arzú.
See also
In Spanish: Álvaro Arzú Irigoyen para niños
