Sebastian Pinera Wiki, Age, Obituary, Wife, Net Worth & More

All About Former President of Chile Sebastian Pinera

Sebastian Pinera (aged: 74, December 1949 – February 6, 2024) was a prominent Chilean businessman and politician who served as president of Chile from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. He tragically lost his life on February 6, 2024, in a helicopter crash near Lake Ranco in the Los Ríos Region of Chile.

Pinera was known for his love of flying helicopters and often piloted his own aircraft. Unfortunately, he was onboard during the crash, although this information is still awaiting official confirmation. Pinera was pronounced dead shortly after rescue teams arrived at the scene, while the other three passengers survived.

Before his presidency, Pinera served as a senator for the East Santiago district from 1990 to 1998. His unexpected passing has left the nation in mourning, and President Gabriel Boric has declared three days of national mourning in his honor. A state funeral is scheduled for February 9, 2024, as the nation comes together to remember and pay tribute to his public service and leadership.

Sebastian Pinera Early Life

Sebastian Pinera was born on December 1, 1949, in Santiago, Chile, to his parents, José Piñera Carvallo and Magdalena Echenique Rozas. His father, José Piñera Carvallo, served as the Chilean ambassador to the United Nations.

In 1955, Pinera’s family moved to Belgium and later to New York City due to his father’s diplomatic assignments. However, they returned to Chile in the same year.

Sebastian began his education at Colegio del Verbo Divino and graduated in 1967. He then pursued a degree in commercial engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, which he completed in 1971.

Recognized for his academic excellence, Pinera received the prestigious Raúl Iver Oxley Prize as the top student in his class. He continued his studies at Harvard University, where he earned both a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in Economics. During his time at Harvard, he co-authored an article for the Journal of Economic History.

How did Pinera Became One of the Richest Persons in Chile?

After completing his education, Sebastian Piñera ventured into academia, sharing his expertise as an economics lecturer from 1971 to 1988. He taught at esteemed institutions such as the University of Chile, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and Adolfo Ibáñez University.

Piñera’s knowledge also extended to leading roles in academia, where he oversaw Economic Political Theory at the University of Chile’s School of Economics and the Valparaiso Business School.

Transitioning into the banking sector, Piñera served as the general manager at Banco de Talca. However, in 1982, he faced legal troubles when he was accused of violating banking laws, resulting in a warrant for his arrest. The charges were related to unpaid funds of over US$38 million to the Central Bank of Chile during his tenure at Banco de Talca.

Sebastian spent 24 days in hiding, vigorously contesting the charges while his brother, José Piñera, appealed the order. Ultimately, Piñera was acquitted through a writ of habeas corpus after Supreme Court approval.

Despite these legal challenges, Piñera’s business acumen thrived. He held a significant 90% stake in Chilevisión and owned 27% of LAN Airlines, among other investments in companies like Quiñenco. By February 2018, Forbes magazine estimated his wealth at an impressive US$2.7 billion.

His success can be attributed to his innovative initiatives, such as introducing credit cards to Chile in the late 1970s, and strategic investments, particularly in LAN Airlines stock. In 1994, he acquired shares of the formerly state-owned company from Scandinavian Airlines as part of a joint venture with the Cueto family.

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Sebastian Pinera’s Political Career 

Sebastian Piñera’s political journey commenced after the 1988 Plebiscite when he was invited to actively engage in politics. In 1989, he became a candidate for independent senator of the Democracy and Progress Pact, representing the 8th Eastern Metropolitan Region District. Successfully elected for the 1990-1998 legislative period, he joined the National Renewal party during his tenure.

As a senator, Piñera left an indelible mark, participating in various significant initiatives. Notably, he championed environmental causes through the Draft Law on Protection of the Environment and Nature. His legislative efforts also extended to regulating legal and ethical principles of human and assisted reproduction techniques.

Piñera’s political acumen and dedication were recognized when he was elected as the best senator by his peers, alongside then-senator Andrés Zaldívar. He further served as the President of the National Renewal Party from 2001 to 2004. In 2005, Piñera stepped onto the national stage as the presidential candidate for the Coalition for Change.

Though he faced challenges in the 2006 elections against Michelle Bachelet, his political journey persisted. In 2009, the Coalition for Change was established, unifying various political parties under Piñera’s leadership. This coalition propelled him to be the official presidential candidate, and he emerged victorious in the elections on January 17, 2010, becoming the first center-right President since the return of democracy.

Piñera’s presidential term saw significant strides in education, poverty reduction, and citizen security. Notable achievements included increased school subsidies, the creation of the Teacher Vocation Scholarship, and the establishment of 60 Bicentennial High Schools of excellence.

His government also focused on combating poverty, creating the Ministry of Social Development, and introducing Ethical Family Income to benefit over 218 thousand families. After concluding his presidency in 2014, Piñera remained active, resuming leadership roles in various foundations and receiving environmental recognition for Tantauco Park in 2015.

In 2017, responding to the call of the Chile Vamos coalition, he announced his candidacy for a second presidential term. The challenges during his second term, marked by a social crisis, a global pandemic, and a deep recession, showcased Piñera’s leadership in crisis management.

The social unrest of 2019 led to an Agreement for Social Peace and the New Constitution, addressing societal demands through institutional channels. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Piñera’s government implemented robust health measures, strengthened the health system, and secured early access to vaccines, earning Chile global recognition for its efforts in fighting the pandemic.

Economically, despite the challenges, Piñera’s government created a Social Protection Network to support millions of Chileans and SMEs, making the universal Emergency Family Income the largest direct transfer of resources from the State to families in Chile’s history.

Piñera’s second term also witnessed advancements in healthcare, education, pension reforms, and the decarbonization of the energy matrix. Internationally, Chile emerged as an influential voice in environmental protection, freedom, and democracy.

Sebastian Pinera’s Wife and Kids

Sebastian Pinera’s journey into love unfolded at the tender age of 23, painting a romantic tale that began right at home. Sources spilled the charming details, revealing that Pinera’s heart led him to his future wife, Cecilia Morel, who happened to be his neighbor on the delightful Avenida Américo Vespucio in the eastern sector of Santiago.

Whispers in the neighborhood hinted at a sweet courtship that lasted over a year before the couple decided to take the plunge into official commitment. The symbolic knot was tied in 1973, marking the commencement of a lifetime filled with love and partnership.

The Pinera-Morel union flourished into a beautiful family, welcoming the arrival of four children. Magdalena Piñera, Cristobal Piñera, Cecilia Piñera, and Sebastian Piñera became the heartbeat of the Pinera household, symbolizing the warmth and joy that family brings.

Sebastian Pinera FAQs

Ques: How old was Sebastian Pinera?

Ans: Sebastian was 74.

Ques: What is the name of Sebastian Pinera’s wife?

Ans: Cecilia Morel.

Ques: How did Sebastian Pinera die?

Ans: Helicopter crash.

Ques: When did Sebastian Pinera die?

Ans: February 6, 2024.