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Laurentino Cortizo

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Article Genealogy
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Laurentino Cortizo
NameLaurentino Cortizo
CaptionCortizo in 2019
OfficePresident of Panama
Term startJuly 1, 2019
Term endJuly 1, 2024
VicepresidentJosé Gabriel Carrizo
PredecessorJuan Carlos Varela
SuccessorJosé Raúl Mulino
Office1Minister of Agricultural Development
Term start12004
Term end12006
President1Martín Torrijos
Predecessor1Lynette Stanziola
Successor1Guillermo Salazar
Office2President of the National Assembly
Term start2September 1, 2000
Term end2August 31, 2001
Predecessor2Eduardo Vallarino
Successor2Carlos Alvarado
Birth nameLaurentino Cortizo Cohen
Birth date30 January 1953
Birth placePanama City, Panama
PartyDemocratic Revolutionary Party
SpouseYazmín Colón de Cortizo
Alma materNorwich University, University of Texas at Austin
NicknameNito

Laurentino Cortizo is a Panamanian politician and businessman who served as the President of Panama from 2019 to 2024. A member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, his political career includes serving as Minister of Agricultural Development under President Martín Torrijos and as President of the National Assembly of Panama. His presidency focused on anti-corruption measures, social programs, and navigating the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in Panama.

Early life and education

Laurentino Cortizo Cohen was born on January 30, 1953, in Panama City. He is the son of Nicolás Cortizo and Mery Cohen, a family with roots in the Colón Province. He completed his secondary education at the Colegio Javier in Panama City. For his higher education, Cortizo attended Norwich University in Vermont, United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in International Studies. He later obtained a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

Business career

Before entering politics, Cortizo built a significant career in the private sector, primarily in the agricultural and export industries. He served as the General Manager of the family-owned company Productos Congelados, S.A. (Proconsa), a major shrimp and seafood exporter. His business acumen led to leadership roles in key industry groups, including the Panamanian Association of Exporters and the National Council of Private Enterprise. His experience in international trade and agribusiness provided a foundation for his later public policy work.

Political career

Cortizo's political career began with his election to the National Assembly of Panama in 1994, representing the Democratic Revolutionary Party for the Panamá Province. He served multiple terms, culminating in his election as President of the legislative body from 2000 to 2001. In 2004, President Martín Torrijos appointed him as the Minister of Agricultural Development, a post he held until 2006. During his tenure, he worked on rural development policies and trade agreements. After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2009, he remained active in party politics before securing his party's nomination again in 2019.

Presidency (2019–2024)

Cortizo won the 2019 Panamanian general election, defeating Rómulo Roux of Democratic Change and assumed office on July 1, 2019. His administration, with Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, launched the anti-corruption initiative "Barriga Llena, Corazón Contento" and established the National Anti-Corruption Council. Key challenges included managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Panama, which led to strict lockdowns and significant economic contraction. His government also faced protests over Cobre Panamá mining contract negotiations and worked on reforms to the Panama Canal administration and the Social Security Fund of Panama.

Post-presidency

Following the conclusion of his term on July 1, 2024, and the inauguration of his successor José Raúl Mulino, Cortizo returned to private life. He has remained a senior figure within the Democratic Revolutionary Party and has been involved in international speaking engagements on governance and development. His post-presidential activities have included commentary on Panama–United States relations and regional issues in Central America.

Personal life

Cortizo is married to former journalist Yazmín Colón de Cortizo, who served as First Lady of Panama. The couple has two children. He is known by the nickname "Nito." An avid baseball fan, Cortizo has been a prominent supporter of the Panamanian Professional Baseball League and the national team. His family has historical ties to the Panama Canal Zone, and he is a member of the Beth-El Synagogue in Panama City.

Category:1953 births Category:Living people Category:Presidents of Panama Category:Democratic Revolutionary Party politicians Category:Panamanian businesspeople Category:Norwich University alumni Category:University of Texas at Austin alumni