Alvaro Uribe

Date of Birth: July 4, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Álvaro Uribe Vélez, born on July 4, 1952, is a prominent Colombian politician and statesman who served as the 31st President of Colombia from 2002 to 2010. His presidency is often noted for its strong stance against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), implementing a series of military operations that significantly weakened the guerrilla group. Uribe’s approach, known as “Democratic Security,” aimed to restore state control over territories dominated by armed groups and to reduce violence and crime rates. Uribe was born in Medellín, Antioquia, to a wealthy cattle ranching family. He pursued his education at the University of Antioquia, where he obtained a degree in law. Later, he earned a postgraduate degree in Administration and Management from Harvard University and attended the University of Oxford as an honorary fellow. Before his presidency, Uribe held various political positions, including mayor of Medellín, senator, and governor of Antioquia. His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to modernize the region and improve public services. As president, Uribe’s policies were credited with transforming Colombia’s economy and improving security, although his administration was also criticized for human rights abuses and corruption scandals. After leaving office, Uribe remained an influential figure in Colombian politics, serving as a senator and continuing to shape the political landscape through his party, the Democratic Center.

5 Interesting Facts about Alvaro Uribe

1. Álvaro Uribe was the first Colombian president in over a century to be re-elected for a second term.

2. During his presidency, the murder rate in Colombia dropped significantly, and the country’s GDP grew steadily.

3. Uribe survived several assassination attempts, including a car bomb attack in 2002.

4. He has received numerous international awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States in 2009.

5. Uribe’s father was killed by FARC guerrillas in 1983, an event that deeply influenced his anti-guerrilla policies.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alvaro Uribe

1. “Democratic security is a commitment to guarantee the rights of Colombians: the right to live, to work, to study, to undertake, and to achieve progress.”

2. “My government will not rest until we have given every Colombian the opportunity to live in peace, without fear and without violence.”

3. “We must have zero tolerance for terrorism, but also zero tolerance for impunity.”

4. “Security is a condition for freedom.”

5. “The best social policy lies in generating employment.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Álvaro Uribe’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, largely accumulated through his political career and business ventures.

Children

Álvaro Uribe has two sons, Tomás Uribe Moreno and Jerónimo Uribe Moreno, both of whom are involved in various business ventures and have shown interest in following their father’s footsteps in public service and politics.