Martin Torrihos President of Panama Country: Panama

1. Biography of Martin Torrijos
2. Education and Early Career
3. Entry into Politics
4. Presidential Elections
5. Presidency
6. Personal Life

Biography of Martin Torrijos

Martin Torrijos, the current President of Panama, was born on July 18, 1963, in Panama City, Panama. He comes from a political family, being the son of former Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos, who signed the agreement with the United States in 1977 to return the Panama Canal to the country. Unfortunately, his father died in a plane crash.

Education and Early Career

Martin Torrijos received his education in the United States. He attended the University of Texas, where he completed his undergraduate degree. He also spent some time at a military academy in Wisconsin, although he did not pursue a military career like his father. After his studies, Torrijos worked as a manager at the headquarters of the McDonald's company.

Entry into Politics

In 1992, Torrijos became actively involved in the rejuvenation of the Revolutionary Democratic Party (RDP), a left-centrist political party in Panama. Two years later, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Justice, where he led an investigation into a conspiracy to assassinate the then-president of Panama, Ernesto Balladares.

Presidential Elections

Torrijos ran for president as the candidate of the RDP in the 1999 elections. Interestingly, his opponents in the race were his own brothers, Omar and Hugo Torrijos. However, the victory went to Mireya Moscoso, who became the first female president in the history of Panama. In the same year, Torrijos was appointed as the General Secretary of the RDP.

Presidency

Undeterred by his defeat in the previous elections, Martin Torrijos sought a rematch against Moscoso in the 2004 elections. This time, he emerged victorious, winning the presidency under the slogan of fighting poverty, unemployment, and corruption in Panama. During his presidency, Torrijos implemented various social and economic reforms to improve the living conditions of the Panamanian people.

Personal Life

Martin Torrijos is married and has three children, including a daughter and two sons. He continues to serve as the President of Panama, working towards the development and progress of the country.