Luis Guillermo Solís
Historian and diplomat who served as Costa Rica's 47th President (2014-2018), focusing on anti-corruption efforts and economic reforms.
Biography
Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera was born on April 25, 1958, in San José, Costa Rica. He studied at several well-regarded institutions, starting at the University of Costa Rica and then continuing at the University of Michigan and Tulane University of Louisiana. He earned a Fulbright Scholarship, which helped him pursue education abroad. He married Mercedes Peñas Domingo and built a career in academia, diplomacy, and politics.
Solís was a respected historian and teacher before stepping into politics. His academic background gave him a strong understanding of Costa Rican society and governance, which he later used in his political life. As a university teacher, he influenced many students and developed diplomatic skills through his work as a diplomat.
In 2014, Solís reached a major milestone by being elected as Costa Rica's 47th President, representing the Citizens' Action Party (PAC). He was the first PAC member to become president and won with more votes than any other presidential candidate in Costa Rican history. His campaign focused on fighting corruption and economic reform, promising to change the country's politics.
As president from 2014 to 2018, Solís introduced reforms to curb corruption and improve the economy. However, his administration faced major controversy in 2017 with the "Cementazo" scandal, where he was accused of helping speed up legal processes for Chinese cement imports to benefit businessman Juan Carlos Bolaños. The scandal involved about $800 million in losses and cast doubt on his anti-corruption efforts. Despite these accusations, the Public Prosecutor of Costa Rica dropped the charges against him in May 2018.
Solís has received many international honors for his work in education and diplomacy. In 2015, he got an honorary doctorate from the Renmin University of China, followed by the Golden Key of Madrid in 2017, and another honorary doctorate from the University of La Rochelle in 2019. These awards highlight his international recognition and the respect he has earned in academic and diplomatic fields beyond Costa Rica.
Before Fame
Growing up in San José during the 1960s and 1970s, Solís saw Costa Rica become a stable democracy after it abolished its military in 1948. During his childhood, the country emphasized education and peaceful growth, values that shaped his future career. The political atmosphere of his youth, marked by Costa Rica's focus on neutrality and social progress, led him to pursue higher education both at home and abroad.
He first became known in academia, building a strong reputation with his historical research and teaching. A Fulbright Scholarship allowed him to pursue advanced studies in the United States, giving him expertise that would later be important in diplomatic service and political leadership. With his mix of historical knowledge and international experience, he became a respected voice in Costa Rican public discussions well before his presidential aspirations emerged.
Key Achievements
- Served as 47th President of Costa Rica from 2014 to 2018
- Won historic landslide presidential election with record-breaking vote count
- Became first Citizens' Action Party member to hold the presidency
- Implemented anti-corruption initiatives and economic reforms during presidency
- Received multiple international honorary doctorates and diplomatic honors
Did You Know?
- 01.He received more votes in the 2014 presidential election than any candidate in Costa Rican history
- 02.He was the first member of the Citizens' Action Party (PAC) to become President of Costa Rica
- 03.The Golden Key of Madrid he received in 2017 is one of the highest honors the Spanish capital awards to foreign dignitaries
- 04.His involvement in the Cementazo scandal concerned $800 million in losses related to Chinese cement imports
- 05.He holds honorary doctorates from universities on three different continents: Asia, Europe, and North America
Family & Personal Life
Awards & Honors
| Award | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Scholarship | — | — |
| Golden Key of Madrid | 2017 | — |
| honorary doctor of the Renmin University of China | 2015 | — |
| honorary doctorate from University of La Rochelle | 2019 | — |