Mauricio Funes, former president of El Salvador, died in Nicaragua at 65, where he lived in exile to avoid criminal charges. He governed from 2009-2014 but faced serious allegations of corruption. Funes, once popular for his journalistic work, left office amidst claims of making deals with gangs and was later convicted in multiple trials.
Mauricio Funes, the former president of El Salvador, passed away in Nicaragua at the age of 65, after years of living in exile to escape criminal charges. Nicaragua’s Health Ministry announced his death was due to a serious chronic illness. He had governed El Salvador from 2009 to 2014 and avoided extradition by becoming a citizen of Nicaragua under the protection of President Daniel Ortega.
Funes’s administration was marred by allegations of corruption and deals with street gangs, leading to 28 years of pending sentences. Despite these issues, he was a prominent figure, gaining popularity as a journalist before entering politics with the leftist Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). He was acclaimed for his role in El Salvador’s political landscape, winning the presidential election in 2009.
In his later years, Funes faced multiple trials in absentia, resulting in convictions for corruption. His most recent sentence was a 14-year prison term for negotiating gang truces during his presidency. These charges included accusations of receiving kickbacks related to government contracts and misappropriating substantial public funds.
Despite his legal troubles, Funes’s political career bore witness to a complicated legacy, as he initially led the FMLN to continued success after his tenure, with subsequent president Salvador Sánchez Cerén. His relationship with current President Nayib Bukele has been contentious, featuring public disputes and accusations of corruption on both sides.
Former El Salvador President Mauricio Funes served from 2009 to 2014 and was positioned as a transformative politician after reaching office with the FMLN party. His presidency is overshadowed by allegations of corruption and gang negotiations, which prompted his flight to Nicaragua. He gained refuge, thanks to Nicaragua’s government, even as he faced numerous legal challenges back home. His complex legacy includes both journalistic acclaim and significant controversies.
In conclusion, Mauricio Funes’s passing marks the end of a controversial chapter in El Salvador’s history. His legacy as a journalist and former president is intertwined with significant allegations of corruption and political strife. Despite his efforts to reshape the narrative of his presidency as a victim of persecution, the various criminal convictions highlight enduring challenges in the nation’s political landscape.
Original Source: www.bostonglobe.com
