Mauricio Funes, the former president of El Salvador from 2009 to 2014, has died at the age of 63 in Nicaragua, where he had been living in asylum since 2016. His death was confirmed by the Nicaraguan government on January 21, 2025. Funes had been facing allegations of corruption and was sentenced to 14 years in prison in absentia. He was found to be in ‘extreme health severity’ before his passing, as reported by the Nicaraguan regime. He left El Salvador amidst accusations of embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds during his presidency. His administration was marked by efforts to combat gang violence and poverty but later engulfed in scandals. Funes’s exile and subsequent health struggles have drawn attention, especially concerning the ongoing issues of corruption and political asylum in Central America. “He was a controversial figure who led a challenging administration,” stated a spokesperson from the current Salvadoran government after news of his death broke. Funess’s health had rapidly declined in recent months, and he was reported to be hospitalized before his death. His legacy remains a topic of debate in Salvadoran society, reflecting the complex political landscape of the region.
Former Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes Passes Away in Nicaragua
