Former El Salvador President Mauricio Funes Dies in Exile at 65
Mauricio Funes, the former President of El Salvador, died at 65 in Nicaragua, where he was in exile to escape criminal sentences for corruption. His presidency from 2009 to 2014 was marred by serious accusations, particularly negotiating with gangs, leading to multiple convictions in absentia. Despite his controversial legacy, he had strong support during his term, and his party continues to navigate the political landscape in his wake.
Mauricio Funes, the former President of El Salvador, passed away at the age of 65 in exile in Nicaragua, where he had sought refuge to avoid facing multiple criminal convictions. His death was attributed to a serious chronic illness, as reported by Nicaragua’s Health Ministry. Having governed from 2009 to 2014, Funes had been living under the protection of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who granted him citizenship, thereby shielding him from extradition.
Under Funes’ administration, he faced severe accusations of corruption and illicit dealings with gangs that resulted in a total of 28 years of pending sentences. Funes, a former journalist, was implicated in several corrupt activities, including negotiating a controversial gang truce. He consistently denied the allegations, claiming he was a target of political persecution and never spent time in prison.
Funes was a member of the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), a party that emerged from El Salvador’s civil war. He achieved presidency by defeating the conservative National Republican Alliance in 2009 and was viewed as a transformative figure at the onset of his term. His administration, however, faced allegations of corruption that became more pronounced by the time he exited office.
Despite his contentious presidency, the FMLN managed to win subsequent elections, with Salvador Sánchez Cerén succeeding Funes. Recently, Funes had been engaged in a war of words with current President Nayib Bukele, who has been pursuing legal action against him for corruption, while Bukele himself has faced accusations relating to negotiations with gang leaders.
The FMLN acknowledged Funes’ contributions, stating that he was a notable investigative journalist and enjoyed significant support during his presidency. Current Labor Minister Rolando Castro recognized his journalistic impact while also acknowledging the errors committed during his tenure.
Mauricio Funes, who governed El Salvador from 2009 to 2014, faced multiple corruption charges after his presidency, culminating in significant prison sentences. He fled to Nicaragua in 2016 to evade accountability and was granted citizenship by Nicaragua’s government, underlining the complex political landscape surrounding his tenure. Funes’ administration, marked by initiatives to engage with gangs, transitioned to a period of severe accusations against him and his party after his departure from office. The FMLN, although tainted by its association with Funes’ controversies, continued to hold power in subsequent years. Funes’ background as a journalist adds a layer of complexity to his political rise, transitioning from media influence to leadership, but marred by corrupt practices during his time in office. The ongoing political battle between Funes and current authorities reflects deep divisions within Salvadoran politics.
In summary, the late Mauricio Funes, whose legacy is overshadowed by corruption scandals, governed El Salvador from 2009 until 2014. He died in Nicaragua under protective circumstances, constantly denying wrongdoing. His tenure as a president was replete with controversies that have left a lasting imprint on Salvadoran politics. Funes’ life encapsulated a journey from journalistic prominence to political power, ultimately leading to his controversial exile and conviction, leaving behind a conflicted legacy.
Original Source: www.kob.com
