Enrique Bolaños

Bolaños got married in 1949, to his childhood sweetheart Lila T. Abaúnza, who was known for her philanthropic activities. The couple had five children—Enrique José, Lucía Amanda, Jorge Alejandro, Javier Gregorio, and Alberto. After retiring from politics, Bolaños established an NGO called the ‘La Fundación Enrique Bolaños’ (‘FEB’) that aims at providing free access to information about Nicaragua’s history and politics, thus alleviating inequalities in education

Enrique José Bolaños Geyer was born to Nicolás Bolaños Cortés and Amanda Del Rosario Geyer Abaunza, on May 13, 1928, in Masaya, Nicaragua. His father belonged to a family that focused on business, even though they did play a small role in the country's political history.

After completing his elementary and higher education in Nicaragua, the young man pursued a course in industrial engineering from ‘Saint Louis University’, Missouri. Later, he studied management from the 'Instituto Centroamericano de Administración de Empresas' ('INCAE Business School’).

At the age of twenty-four, in 1952, Enrique established a company called 'Industrial Agricultural Services of Masaya' (SAIMSA), which eventually became one of the leading producers of cotton in Central America.

In the 1980s, the successful businessman openly condemned Nicaraguan guerrilla leader and President Daniel Ortega, who was known for his restriction of media and association with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Bolaños was arrested on three occasions, while his company 'SAIMSA' was seized and handed-over to small farmers.

From 1983-88 he acted as the President of the 'Supreme Council for Private Enterprise' ('COSEP'), which aimed at reducing government control on private enterprises.

In 1990, when the presidential elections were held, Bolaños decided to run as a candidate. However, his party, the ‘National Opposition Union', chose his colleague Violeta Chamorro instead, stating that the former was too obstinate to work with.

Six years later, Arnoldo Alemán, a member of the 'Liberal Constitutionalist Party', and a candidate for the presidential elections, decided to appoint Bolaños as his campaigner. Alemán won the elections against President Ortega, and Enrique was elected Vice-President in 1997.

Enrique has served as the President of Nicaragua from 2002-07, introducing several measures to fight corruption in the country’s official system. He is also known for having made significant contribution to his homeland’s agricultural development.