All Entries Tagged With: "Politics"
Felipe Solá – A Politician For All Seasons
Governor, lawmaker, minister, dissident. Veteran politician Felipe Solá has held a long series of posts in his native province of Buenos Aires and in national government.
But political pundits have already placed bets the ruling party’s leading dissident will seek the presidency in the next election as part of his political ascendance.
Solá, the former governor of [...]
Mauricio Macri – Millionaire Executive Turns to Politics
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, one could say that Mauricio Macri never had to worry about job security. But the millionaire politician has found there is nothing secure about his quest for the presidency.
His father, Franco Macri, is one of the most successful and best-known industrial magnates in Argentina, presiding over holdings [...]
Aécio Neves – A Political Heir Apparent
With an impeccable political pedigree, high approval ratings and matinee idol looks, Aécio Neves, the 49-year-old governor of Minas Gerais, has the credentials to reach Brazil’s top office.
Neves got his start in politics before he turned 21, tapped by his grandfather, Tancredo Neves, to serve as his private secretary when he held the governor’s seat. [...]
Sergio Fajardo – The Mathematical Answer
The former mayor is headed across Medellin’s bustling Plaza Mayor convention center. But every few steps, Sergio Fajardo stops to greet well-wishers, shake hands with a business executive or pose for a photograph with coffee stand employees or others.
In his uniform of blue jeans, button-down shirt and sports jacket, the photogenic former mathematics professor has [...]
Roberto Murray Meza – Entrepreneur Enticed by Politics
As the Nationalist Republican Alliance struggles to recover from its historic loss in the March presidential race, its members are seeking a leader who can breathe new life into the party known as ARENA.
One possibility is charismatic beer magnate and philanthropist Roberto “Bobby” Murray Meza. The 62-year-old Murray is a long-time ARENA stalwart but a [...]
Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón – Polish and Populism in Presidential Run
Following in the footsteps of a leftist icon, like the fiery former mayor of the capital, is no easy task. But Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, the French-educated mayor of Mexico City, is determined to step out of the shadow.
To prepare for his own bid for the presidency in 2012, Ebrard has capitalized on the support of [...]
Josefina Vázquez Mota – A Party Stalwart Waiting in the Wings
Critics accuse her of introducing the “attack ad” into Mexican presidential campaigns. But Josefina Vázquez Mota is a political survivor, holding onto cabinet posts in two successive National Action Party administrations when closer presidential allies were axed.
Vázquez Mota is no Machiavelli. Her biggest strength may be her willingness to play second fiddle when her party’s [...]
Aminta Granera Sacasa – Top Cop with Political Appeal
Aminta Granera Sacasa stands just over five feet and weighs 120 pounds. A former Catholic novitiate, who left the convent to become a revolutionary fighter, she is the only woman in Latin America currently holding the job of police chief.
She has fired corrupt police officials. She has braved the ire of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. [...]
Luis Castañeda Lossio – A Dark Horse in a Long Race
From the numbers, the two-term mayor of Lima – Luis Castañeda Lossio – is the man to beat in Peru. In a country where polls are brutal on politicians, Castañeda has enjoyed phenomenal approval ratings since he was elected to lead the capital in 2002.
The most recent poll, conducted by Apoyo Opinión y Mercado, placed [...]
Editor’s Note: Emerging Issues
Latin Trade’s main feature in this issue takes a look at a number of aspiring leaders, who may be ready to make a run for president, hoping to parlay a track record of practical solutions in local government or long sojourns in politics into national electoral appeal. The political profiles are not about making predictions [...]
They Love Me, They Love Me Not
With economic challenges buffeting the entire region, the political winds in Latin America seem to be shifting as well. Polls measuring presidential popularity during the first quarter 2009 show marked changes compared with polls taken in the last quarter of 2008, indicating the strain people are feeling.
