Evo Morales

About

Evo Morales is a Bolivian politician who served as the 80th President of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019. Born on October 26, 1959, in Isabella Morales, Oruro, Bolivia, Morales is the first indigenous person to hold the office. He rose to prominence as the leader of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) party, which he founded in 1998. Morales' political career began in the 1980s as a union leader and activist, advocating for the rights of indigenous people and workers. As President, Morales implemented a range of progressive policies, including the nationalization of key industries such as oil and gas, the expansion of healthcare and education services, and the promotion of indigenous languages and culture. He also played a key role in the regional integration of South America, serving as the President of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) from 2009 to 2010. Morales' presidency was marked by controversy, including allegations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses. Despite these challenges, he remains a significant figure in Bolivian politics and a symbol of the country's indigenous movement.