Jorge Larrañaga
Jorge Washington Larrañaga Fraga (8 August 1956 – 22 May 2021) was a Uruguayan lawyer and politician of the National Party (PN) who was Minister of the Interior from 1 March 2020 until his death. He also previously served as Intendant of Paysandú from 1990 to 1999, as well as a Senator between 2000 and 2020.
Jorge Larrañaga | |
|---|---|
 Jorge Larrañaga in 2019 | |
| Minister of the Interior | |
| In office 1 March 2020 – 22 May 2021 | |
| President | Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou |
| Preceded by | Eduardo Bonomi |
| Succeeded by | Luis Alberto Héber |
| Senator of Uruguay | |
| In office 15 February 2000 – 15 February 2020 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 August 1956 Montevideo, Uruguay |
| Died | 22 May 2021 (aged 64) |
| Political party | National Party Alianza Nacional |
| Spouse(s) | Ana María Vidal Elhordoy (-2005) María Liliana Echenique |
| Children | Jorge Washington, Aparicio, Juan Francisco, Faustino |
| Alma mater | Universidad de la República |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer |
| Website | Jorge Larrañaga |
Background
Larrañaga was born on August 8, 1956, the son of Jorge Washington Larrañaga Ilarraz (1921–2003)[1] and Ketty Fraga Coubrough (1923–2010).[2] He grew up and attended school in Paysandú. He studied law at the Universidad de la República and practiced until 1990, specializing in civil and labour law.
He took a series of administrative posts in the National Party, culminating in his presidency of the Party's departmental commission in Paysandú (1985–1989).
Prominence in the National Party
He was elected Intendant in 1989 and won a second term in 1994. He unsuccessfully contested internal party elections for vice presidential candidate in 1999. Technically it was Juan Andrés Ramírez who was running for presidential candidate that year. Had Ramírez won, it was assumed the National Convention of the National Party would choose Larrañaga as the vice presidential candidate as Ramírez–Larrañaga were seen as a joint ticket.
Soon the National Alliance ("Alianza Nacional") sector was founded and during the presidency of Jorge Batlle Ibáñez they increasingly became opponents.
In 2004, he won the internal party election and was chosen as the party's presidential candidate.
Presidential elections
2004
On 31 October 2004 a national election was held. Larrañaga obtained over 34% of the vote. The election was won by Tabaré Vázquez who obtained over 50% of the vote.
2009
In June 2009, he ran again in the internal party election looking to be presidential candidate. This election was won by Luis Alberto Lacalle and Larrañaga was to be the candidate to the vice presidency in the October general elections.[3]
2014
In June 2014, Larrañaga ran in the internal party election, losing to Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou. Afterwards he ran as his running mate.
2019
In June 2019, Larrañaga ran in the internal party election, losing to Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou. Larrañaga was a candidate to the Senate. He also promoted the 2019 Uruguayan constitutional referendum on public security. No presidential candidate endorsed his proposal, but many are proposing similar measures.[4]
Death
On 22 May 2021, Larrañaga suddenly died of a heart attack. He was mourned by the government and several political figures of all ideologies.[5]
References
- Redacción. "Perfil de Jorge Larrañaga". El Observador. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- Redacción. "Murió la madre de Jorge Larrañaga". El Observador. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- El País (21 July 2009). "Un candidato hijo del esfuerzo" (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 23 February 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
- "Todos con la gorra". Brecha (in Spanish). 23 August 2019.
- "Uruguay's Interior Minister Jorge Larrañaga mourned by political friends and foes alike". MercoPress.com. 23 May 2021.
External links
