Mauricio Funes, former President of El Salvador, died in Nicaragua at 65, where he lived in exile to escape corruption charges. An investigative journalist turned politician, he served from 2009-2014 and faced multiple convictions for corruption. Despite his controversial presidency, he was noted for his initial popularity.
Former President of El Salvador, Mauricio Funes, passed away at the age of 65 in Nicaragua where he had sought refuge from criminal charges. Nicaragua’s Health Ministry reported that he succumbed to a serious chronic illness. Funes governed El Salvador from 2009 until 2014 and lived in exile for the last nine years, supported by President Daniel Ortega’s government that granted him citizenship to evade extradition.
Mauricio Funes came to power as a member of the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), which arose from El Salvador’s civil war. His presidency was marked by initiatives to mitigate violence and improve public safety, but he later faced severe allegations of corruption and criminal dealings with gang leaders, resulting in multiple convictions. His tenure ended with significant political strife and criticisms from both opponents and factions within his party.
In summary, Mauricio Funes’s life and presidency encapsulate the complexities of El Salvador’s political landscape following a protracted civil conflict. His ultimate downfall due to corruption charges reflects the ongoing challenges the nation faces in governance and reform efforts. His legacy remains controversial, evoking a mix of support and criticism among the Salvadoran populace and the international community.
Original Source: www.bostonglobe.com
