Joaquín Lavín is a prominent Chilean politician and member of the Independent Democratic Union Party. Born on October 23, 1953, in Chile, he has had a long and varied career in politics, serving in various government positions and running for president multiple times.
Lavín studied economics at the University of Chicago, where he had the opportunity to learn under the renowned economist Milton Friedman. This education laid the foundation for his future career in politics and policy-making.
Lavín's political career began at the local level, serving as the mayor of Los Condes, a district in Santiago. He later went on to become the mayor of Santiago itself, showcasing his leadership skills and commitment to public service.
Throughout his career, Lavín has held federal positions such as Minister of Education and Minister of Social Development, demonstrating his dedication to improving the lives of Chilean citizens through policy and reform.
Despite his accomplishments in government, Lavín has faced disappointments on the presidential campaign trail. He ran for president in 1999, 2005, and most recently in 2021, facing defeat each time in the primary elections.
Outside of politics, Lavín is a family man. He is the son of Joaquín Lavín Pradenas and Carmen Infante Vial, with his father being a landowner. Lavín is married to María Estela León Ruíz, with whom he shares seven children.
In the age of technology, Lavín has embraced social media as a tool for connecting with constituents and promoting his policies. His TikTok account, joaquin.lavin, has garnered over 110,000 followers, where he shares not only political messages but also light-hearted jokes to engage with his audience.
Despite the setbacks in his presidential bids, Joaquín Lavín remains a prominent figure in Chilean politics, known for his dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of his fellow citizens. His legacy as a leader and policymaker continues to resonate in the political landscape of Chile.