Belisario Betancur

Belisario Betancur

Name	Belisario Betancur
Birth name
Birth date	(1923-02-04)4 February 1923
Birth place	Amagá, Antioquia Department, Colombia
Death date	7 December 2018(2018-12-07) (aged 95)
Death place	Bogotá, Colombia
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician, Writer
Years active
Organization
Known for	26th President of Colombia
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Belisario Betancur Cuartas (February 4, 1923 – December 7, 2018) was a Colombian politician, writer, and diplomat who served as the 26th President of Colombia from 1982 to 1986. He was a member of the Colombian Conservative Party and is remembered for his efforts to promote peace and social reform in Colombia.

Early Life and Education

Belisario Betancur was born in Amagá, a small town in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. He was the son of a poor family and worked hard to pursue his education. Betancur studied law and economics at the Pontifical Bolivarian University in Medellín and later at the University of Salamanca in Spain.

Political Career

Betancur's political career began in the 1940s when he joined the Colombian Conservative Party. He served in various governmental roles, including as a congressman and minister. His political philosophy was influenced by his commitment to social justice and economic development.

Presidency (1982-1986)

Betancur was elected President of Colombia in 1982. His presidency was marked by significant efforts to negotiate peace with various guerrilla groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the M-19. He initiated peace talks and implemented policies aimed at reducing violence and promoting social reform.

Betancur's administration also focused on economic development and education. He launched the "Plan Nacional de Rehabilitación" to improve infrastructure and services in rural areas. Despite his efforts, his presidency faced challenges, including economic difficulties and continued violence.

Legacy

Belisario Betancur is remembered for his dedication to peace and his attempts to address the deep-rooted social and economic issues in Colombia. Although his peace initiatives did not achieve lasting success during his presidency, they laid the groundwork for future negotiations.

After leaving office, Betancur continued to be active in public life, serving as a diplomat and participating in various international organizations. He was also a prolific writer, contributing to discussions on politics, culture, and history.

Also see

• Presidents of Colombia
• Colombian Conservative Party
• Peace process in Colombia
• Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia