Jump to content

Manuel Rosales: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→‎Political background: add "Envoy" wording
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 41: Line 41:
Rosales served as a congressman in the [[Zulia]] Legislative Assembly (1983–1994), Mayor of [[Maracaibo]] (1996–2000)—Venezuela's second-largest city, in Zulia, Venezuela's wealthiest state<ref name=BBCProfile/>—and [[Governor of Zulia]] for two terms (2000–2004 and 2004–2008).<ref name=RosalesBio/>
Rosales served as a congressman in the [[Zulia]] Legislative Assembly (1983–1994), Mayor of [[Maracaibo]] (1996–2000)—Venezuela's second-largest city, in Zulia, Venezuela's wealthiest state<ref name=BBCProfile/>—and [[Governor of Zulia]] for two terms (2000–2004 and 2004–2008).<ref name=RosalesBio/>


Rosales was accused by Chavez sympathizers of supporting the 2002 "attempt to oust the president".<ref name=BBCProfile/> Rosales signed the [[Carmona Decree]]—a document drawn up on the day following the [[Venezuelan coup attempt of 2002]], which saw the temporary removal of President Chávez. He declared that he signed during a "moment of confusion" after "Chavez's resignation, although [Chavez] later denied [the resignation]", and that he signed his attendance at a meeting he was urgently requested to attend.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web |publisher=[[Globovisión]] |date=2006-08-30 |url= http://www.globovision.com/news.php?nid=36697 |title= A juicio de Manuel Rosales, la democracia venezolana 'está enferma' |accessdate=2010-01-01 |quote= En sus declaraciones, Rosales se defendió de quienes le acusan de haber participado en el golpe que depuso a Chávez brevemente del poder, en abril de 2002. 'Fue un momento de confusión, que nació a partir de la renuncia de Chávez, pese a que después la negó', dijo Rosales. 'Estaba en el estado Zulia (del cual era gobernador) y me llamaron para que viniera de urgencia a Caracas. Asistí a un evento (la auto proclamación de Carmona como presidente) y firmé mi asistencia', relató. 'Si cometí un error, lo reconozco, pero fue de buena fe. No lo planifiqué, no pasé varios años armando un plan para dar un golpe y causar muertes, a diferencia de Chávez', dijo el candidato, al hacer referencia a la fallida intentona golpista que el actual mandatario dirigió en febrero de 2002 contra el entonces presidente Carlos Andrés Pérez.}}</ref><ref name=Envoy/>
Rosales was accused by "government supporters" of supporting the 2002 "attempt to oust the president" in a "short-lived coup".<ref name=BBCProfile/><ref name=Envoy/> Rosales signed the [[Carmona Decree]]—a document drawn up on the day following the [[Venezuelan coup attempt of 2002]], which saw the temporary removal of President Chávez. He declared that he signed during a "moment of confusion" after "Chavez's resignation, although [Chavez] later denied [the resignation]", and that he signed his attendance at a meeting he was urgently requested to attend.<ref>{{es icon}} {{cite web |publisher=[[Globovisión]] |date=2006-08-30 |url= http://www.globovision.com/news.php?nid=36697 |title= A juicio de Manuel Rosales, la democracia venezolana 'está enferma' |accessdate=2010-01-01 |quote= En sus declaraciones, Rosales se defendió de quienes le acusan de haber participado en el golpe que depuso a Chávez brevemente del poder, en abril de 2002. 'Fue un momento de confusión, que nació a partir de la renuncia de Chávez, pese a que después la negó', dijo Rosales. 'Estaba en el estado Zulia (del cual era gobernador) y me llamaron para que viniera de urgencia a Caracas. Asistí a un evento (la auto proclamación de Carmona como presidente) y firmé mi asistencia', relató. 'Si cometí un error, lo reconozco, pero fue de buena fe. No lo planifiqué, no pasé varios años armando un plan para dar un golpe y causar muertes, a diferencia de Chávez', dijo el candidato, al hacer referencia a la fallida intentona golpista que el actual mandatario dirigió en febrero de 2002 contra el entonces presidente Carlos Andrés Pérez.}}</ref>


==Presidential bid==
==Presidential bid==
Line 61: Line 61:
Rosales went into hiding in March 2009 when charges were filed,<ref name=InterpolSeeks/> and failed to appear in court in April.<ref name=VenezuelanMayor>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/04/21/venezuela.mayor/index.html |publisher= CNN |title= Venezuelan mayor 'seeking asylum' in Peru |date= 2009-04-21 |author=Flores, Andreina; Belaunde, Maria Elena |accessdate=2010-02-01}}</ref> On 22 April it was reported that he had sought [[political asylum]] in [[Peru]], and that a court-ordered freezing of Rosales' material and financial assets found most had been removed.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} [[Interpol]] issued an international arrest warrant at Venezuela's request; Venezuelan authorities deny that the charges are politically motivated.<ref name=InterpolSeeks>{{cite web| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8015703.stm |publisher=BBC |title= Interpol seeks Chavez foe arrest |date= 2009-04-24 |accessdate= 2010-02-01}}</ref>
Rosales went into hiding in March 2009 when charges were filed,<ref name=InterpolSeeks/> and failed to appear in court in April.<ref name=VenezuelanMayor>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/04/21/venezuela.mayor/index.html |publisher= CNN |title= Venezuelan mayor 'seeking asylum' in Peru |date= 2009-04-21 |author=Flores, Andreina; Belaunde, Maria Elena |accessdate=2010-02-01}}</ref> On 22 April it was reported that he had sought [[political asylum]] in [[Peru]], and that a court-ordered freezing of Rosales' material and financial assets found most had been removed.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} [[Interpol]] issued an international arrest warrant at Venezuela's request; Venezuelan authorities deny that the charges are politically motivated.<ref name=InterpolSeeks>{{cite web| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8015703.stm |publisher=BBC |title= Interpol seeks Chavez foe arrest |date= 2009-04-24 |accessdate= 2010-02-01}}</ref>


On April 28, 2009, Venezuela withdrew its ambassador to Lima in response to Peru's decision to grant Rosales political asylum. Peruvian officials said the decision was part of their "long-standing commitment to international law"; Venezuelan officials called it a "mockery of international law, a strong blow to the fight against corruption and an offence to the people of Venezuela".<ref name=Envoy>{{cite news |publisher= BBC News |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8021946.stm |title= Venezuela recalls envoy in Peru |date= 2009-04-28 |accessdate= 2010-02-01}}</ref>
On April 28, 2009, Venezuela withdrew its ambassador to Lima in response to Peru's decision to grant Rosales political asylum. Peruvian officials said the decision was part of their "long-standing commitment to international law"; Venezuelan officials called it a "mockery of international law, a strong blow to the fight against corruption and an offence to the people of Venezuela", saying that Rosales should have been detained and extradited.<ref name=Envoy>{{cite news |publisher= BBC News |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8021946.stm |title= Venezuela recalls envoy in Peru |date= 2009-04-28 |accessdate= 2010-02-01}}</ref>


The 2009 [[Human Rights Watch]] report mentions Rosales as an example of political persecution,<ref>{{cite web|publisher= Human Rights Watch |url= http://www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2010/venezuela|title= Venezuela: Events of 2009 |accessdate =2010-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date= 2009-12-08 |title = Venezuelan protesters end hunger strike over prisoners |author = Brice, Arthur | publisher = CNN | url =
The 2009 [[Human Rights Watch]] report mentions Rosales as an example of political persecution,<ref>{{cite web|publisher= Human Rights Watch |url= http://www.hrw.org/en/world-report-2010/venezuela|title= Venezuela: Events of 2009 |accessdate =2010-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date= 2009-12-08 |title = Venezuelan protesters end hunger strike over prisoners |author = Brice, Arthur | publisher = CNN | url =

Revision as of 17:44, 3 February 2010

Manuel Rosales
55th Mayor of Maracaibo
In office
1 December 2008 – 24 April 2009
Preceded byGian Carlo Di Martino
Succeeded byDaniel Ponne
(interim)
34th Governor of Zulia
In office
2 February 2000 – 23 November 2008
Preceded byGermán Valero
Succeeded byPablo Pérez Álvarez
53rd Mayor of Maracaibo
In office
1996–2000
Preceded byFernando Chumaceiro
Succeeded byGian Carlo Di Martino
Personal details
Born (1952-12-12) December 12, 1952 (age 71)
Santa Bárbara del Zulia, Zulia State
Political partyUn Nuevo Tiempo
SpouseEveling Trejo de Rosales
ProfessionPolitician/Teacher

Manuel Antonio Rosales Guerrero (b. December 12, 1952, in Santa Bárbara del Zulia)[1] is a Venezuelan educator and politician and was the most prominent opposition candidate in the 2006 presidential election,[2] losing to incumbent Hugo Chávez. He served as a congressman, mayor, and governor, but in April 2009, stepped down as Mayor of Maracaibo when he was charged with corruption in Venezuela and fled to Peru. Rosales denies the charges, and was granted political asylum in Peru.[2]

Political background

Rosales began his political career as a youth leader of the political party, Acción Democrática (AD), described by the BBC as "one of the two parties that dominated Venezuelan politics for most of the second half of the 20th Century".[2] In 2000[3] he founded "his own centre-left party which he called Un Nuevo Tiempo" (A New Era); he describes "himself as a social democrat".[2]

Rosales served as a congressman in the Zulia Legislative Assembly (1983–1994), Mayor of Maracaibo (1996–2000)—Venezuela's second-largest city, in Zulia, Venezuela's wealthiest state[2]—and Governor of Zulia for two terms (2000–2004 and 2004–2008).[1]

Rosales was accused by "government supporters" of supporting the 2002 "attempt to oust the president" in a "short-lived coup".[2][4] Rosales signed the Carmona Decree—a document drawn up on the day following the Venezuelan coup attempt of 2002, which saw the temporary removal of President Chávez. He declared that he signed during a "moment of confusion" after "Chavez's resignation, although [Chavez] later denied [the resignation]", and that he signed his attendance at a meeting he was urgently requested to attend.[5]

Presidential bid

Rosales was defeated by Chavez in the December 2006 Venezuelan presidential election, to choose a president for the six-year term beginning in January 2007. A primary election organized by Sumate had been scheduled for August 2006, but was cancelled when other presidential opposition candidates agreed to withdraw from the race and support Rosales. Rosales represented a broad coalition of parties and organizations opposed to Hugo Chávez.[6][7]

Rosales said that the backbone of his government program would be the social arena, saying it would be a "sound and well defined" program, including a "fair allocation of oil revenues by means of two axes – minimum wage for all unemployed and direct contribution to the underprivileged".[8] He stated that Chávez was vulnerable on his "massive foreign aid programs, government-approved takeovers of land and buildings, and the perception that crime is increasing". Rosales said, "We will distribute land to the peasants, but we will buy it in such a way as to respect the principle of private property, just as we will respect those of human rights and social justice." His platform would halt oil giveaways, "including sales of discounted oil to Cuba, until Venezuela reduced its high poverty rate."[7]

Rosales accused Chávez of "overspending on a military buildup" and pledged "to use Venezuela's oil wealth to help the poor and improve education and health care", ridiculing Chávez's "claims of a possible war with the U.S." and saying, "Venezuela's real war should be against rampant street crime."[9] The New York Times said, "Rosales has focused on other themes, including fierce criticism of the alliances Mr. Chávez has made with countries on the fringes of American influence, like Iran and Cuba. But his campaign's predominant message is that Mr. Chávez, despite his socialist talk, has failed to deliver oil wealth to the poor."[10] The New York Times also said Rosales "has been pounding the crime issue, questioning why murders have surged since Mr. Chávez entered office", and saying Chavez's "confrontational style" was "feeding the crime epidemic".[11]

Incumbent president Hugo Chávez was re-elected with 62.87% of the vote.[12]

Corruption charges

Rosales was re-elected Mayor of Maracaibo in the 2008 Venezuelan regional elections; according to the BBC, in "the campaign, Mr Chavez railed against him, threatening him with prison and accusing him of corruption and plotting to assassinate him".[2] According to USA Today, Rosales characterized the allegations as an "electoral ploy to distract Venezuelans from pressing problems such as double-digit inflation and rampant crime".[13]

Rosales was charged by the Venezuelan Attorney General with corruption in late 2008, accused of "misusing public funds" during his term as Governor of Zulia—charges which he denies.[14] Prosecutors say he obtained $60,000 illicitly while he was governor.[15] According to Rosales, a 2002–2004 investigation that "was closed for lack of evidence" was "'suddenly reopened by orders from above,' alluding to Chavez".[16]

According to CNN, "[o]ne of Rosales' lawyers noted that Chavez said publicly in October 2008, before Rosales was charged, that he wanted the mayor in prison."[17][18][13] Rosales' supporters characterized the charges as a "political witch hunt".[4] According to the BBC, "His decision to leave Venezuela is the latest development in a long-running feud with Mr Chavez."[2]

Rosales went into hiding in March 2009 when charges were filed,[15] and failed to appear in court in April.[17] On 22 April it was reported that he had sought political asylum in Peru, and that a court-ordered freezing of Rosales' material and financial assets found most had been removed.[citation needed] Interpol issued an international arrest warrant at Venezuela's request; Venezuelan authorities deny that the charges are politically motivated.[15]

On April 28, 2009, Venezuela withdrew its ambassador to Lima in response to Peru's decision to grant Rosales political asylum. Peruvian officials said the decision was part of their "long-standing commitment to international law"; Venezuelan officials called it a "mockery of international law, a strong blow to the fight against corruption and an offence to the people of Venezuela", saying that Rosales should have been detained and extradited.[4]

The 2009 Human Rights Watch report mentions Rosales as an example of political persecution,[19][20] questioning the judicial procedures against him.[21]

Personal

Rosales was a teacher before moving in to public service.[2] He was a co-founder of Universidad Nacional Experimental Sur del Lago, and received numerous distinctions and honors for his public service.[1]

He is married to Eveling Trejo de Rosales; they have eight children (Ender Manuel, Jenny, Manuel Alejandro, Marenel, Marebeth, Carlos Manuel, Manuel Andrés, and Mervin).[1][22]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Template:Es icon "Curriculum del gobernador". Zulia State Government. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-01-17. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Profile: Manuel Rosales". BBC. 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  3. ^ Template:Es icon "Contest for Venezuelan Presidency begins". El Universal. 2006-08-01. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  4. ^ a b c "Venezuela recalls envoy in Peru". BBC News. 2009-04-28. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  5. ^ Template:Es icon "A juicio de Manuel Rosales, la democracia venezolana 'está enferma'". Globovisión. 2006-08-30. Retrieved 2010-01-01. En sus declaraciones, Rosales se defendió de quienes le acusan de haber participado en el golpe que depuso a Chávez brevemente del poder, en abril de 2002. 'Fue un momento de confusión, que nació a partir de la renuncia de Chávez, pese a que después la negó', dijo Rosales. 'Estaba en el estado Zulia (del cual era gobernador) y me llamaron para que viniera de urgencia a Caracas. Asistí a un evento (la auto proclamación de Carmona como presidente) y firmé mi asistencia', relató. 'Si cometí un error, lo reconozco, pero fue de buena fe. No lo planifiqué, no pasé varios años armando un plan para dar un golpe y causar muertes, a diferencia de Chávez', dijo el candidato, al hacer referencia a la fallida intentona golpista que el actual mandatario dirigió en febrero de 2002 contra el entonces presidente Carlos Andrés Pérez.
  6. ^ "Súmate: there will be no primary elections". El Universal. 2006-08-09. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  7. ^ a b Kraul, Chris (2006-08-09). "Chavez's Foes Cancel Primary, Line Up Behind One Candidate". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  8. ^ "Rosales's candidacy formally announced". El Universal. 2006-08-09. Retrieved 2010-01-02.
  9. ^ Sanchez, Fabiola (2006-08-09). "Rosales opposition choice to face Chavez". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  10. ^ Romero, Simon (2006-11-12). "Venezuelans Square Off Over Race, Oil and a Populist Political Slogan". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  11. ^ Romero, Simon (2006-12-01). "As Crime Soars for Venezuela, Chávez Coasts". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  12. ^ Template:Es icon "Resultados Electorales". Consejo Nacional Electoral. 2006-12-04. Retrieved 2006-12-04.
  13. ^ a b Jones, Rachel (2008-10-26). "Chavez threatens to imprison opposition governor". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  14. ^ "Anti-Chavez mayor faces corruption charges". The Boston Globe. 2008-12-02. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  15. ^ a b c "Interpol seeks Chavez foe arrest". BBC. 2009-04-24. Retrieved 2010-02-01.
  16. ^ "Venezuelan opposition leader indicted for corruption". Agence France Presse -- English. LexisNexis. 2008-12-12. Rosales told reporters the charges stem from a 2004 investigation into his 2002-2004 tenure as Zulia state governor that was closed for lack of evidence, but that was 'suddenly reopened by orders from above,' alluding to Chavez. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  17. ^ a b Flores, Andreina; Belaunde, Maria Elena (2009-04-21). "Venezuelan mayor 'seeking asylum' in Peru". CNN. Retrieved 2010-02-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Template:Es icon "El líder opositor venezolano pide asilo político en Perú". NY1 Noticias. 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2010-02-01. "El presidente Chávez llega a decir cosas como ésta, 'voy a meter preso a Manuel Rosales lo voy a desaparecer del mapa político venezolano, a ese desgraciado lo meto preso'", dijo Javier Valle Riestra, abogado de Rosales en Perú.
  19. ^ "Venezuela: Events of 2009". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved 2010-01-31.
  20. ^ Brice, Arthur (2009-12-08). "Venezuelan protesters end hunger strike over prisoners". CNN. Retrieved 2010-01-31.
  21. ^ Template:Es icon "Human Rights acusa a Chávez de neutralizar al Poder Judicial". El Universal. 2010-01-21. Retrieved 2010-02-01. HWR también cuestionó los procedimientos judiciales iniciados contra el ex gobernador del Zulia y ex alcalde de Maracaibo, Manuel Rosales; y contra el ex ministro de la Defensa, Raúl Baudel, por considerarlos una demostración del uso de los tribunales para perseguir a adversarios del Gobierno.
  22. ^ Template:Es icon "Manuel Antonio Rosales Guerrero". Atrevete con Manuel Rosales. Archived from the original on 2006-09-03. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
Preceded by Mayor of Maracaibo
2008–2009 		Succeeded by
Daniel Ponne
Preceded by
None
 Un Nuevo Tiempo Presidential nominee
2006 (lost) 		Succeeded by
Most recent
Preceded by Governor of Zulia
2000-2008 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Mayor of Maracaibo
1996–2000 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Manuel_Rosales&oldid=341716666"