Horacio Cartes
Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara (born July 5, 1956) is a Paraguayan former president and businessman who served as the 53rd president of Paraguay from 2013 to 2018. He is the founder and owner of the Cartes Group, a large conglomerate with interests in banking, tobacco, beverages, and other industries.
Cartes was born in Asunción, Paraguay, to Ramon Telmo Cartes, a businessman, and María Felicidad Jara de Cartes. He has four siblings. Cartes attended the Colegio San José, a private Jesuit school in Asunción, and the Universidad Católica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, where he studied law. However, he did not complete his degree.
In 1980, Cartes founded Cambio Amambay, a currency exchange company. The company quickly grew and expanded into other financial services, such as banking and insurance. In 1992, Cartes founded the Cartes Group, which became one of the largest conglomerates in Paraguay.
Cartes entered politics in 2008, when he was elected to the Senate of Paraguay. He served as a senator until 2012, when he resigned to run for president. Cartes won the presidential election in 2013 and took office on August 15, 2013.
During his presidency, Cartes focused on improving the economy and combating corruption. He also worked to strengthen ties with other countries in the region. In 2018, Cartes was succeeded by Mario Abdo Benítez.
Cartes has been a controversial figure throughout his career. He has been accused of corruption and money laundering. He has also been criticized for his close ties to the tobacco industry.
Despite the controversy, Cartes remains a popular figure in Paraguay. He is seen as a successful businessman and a strong leader. He is also credited with helping to improve the economy and reduce crime.
Here are some additional facts about Horacio Cartes:
- He is married to María Montaña, a Paraguayan politician. They have five children.
- Cartes is a devout Catholic.
- He is a member of the Colorado Party, a conservative political party.
- Cartes is a close friend of former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
- He is a fan of soccer and tennis.
- Cartes has an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion.
