A very "tico" Ex-President
Being a "tico", a nickname for Costa Ricans, is more than just being born in Costa Rica; it is without a doubt, a special way of thinking, behaving, living and sharing with others. José María Figueres Olsen, Ex-President of the Republic, is definitely a very "tico" and a very polemic president for the period of 1994-1998.
Always smiling, Figueres has been characterized, even before becoming the President, by keeping a very fraternal relationship with others, not mattering if they are politicians, farmers, reporters or housewives and by breaking with the established protocols.
Intense green eyes of deep regard describe a simple and charismatic man, that could surprise you when meeting with him because he does not believe in keeping the distances that people would expect from a President. His speech is natural and free, mixed with Costa Rican sayings such as n'hombre (no man), diay (what's up) and "mañanear tempranito" (rise early in the morning).
His government started on Tuesday, May 10th, 1994. Becoming on this day the youngest President in Latin America, by reaching the position when he was just 39 years old. As described by a local journalist during his first three days in the Presidential Chair, Figueres distinguished himself by being restless, smiling, energetic, simple and waggish, which forecasted the style of his government.
Under his direction, the government has supported the education sector, specially that of small children, introducing English and computer classes into the public school system; the health sector, with vaccination campaigns against relapsing diseases and the housing sector.
Family Heritage
José María Figueres was born in a family with undeniable political tradition, his father, José María Figueres Ferrer was three times President of Costa Rica and a polemic person who is still remembered with love and admiration by many.
This man, who died in 1995, leaded the winning party during the Revolution of 1948 against the existing government, and during his first period in charge of the country the abolition of the army was approved.
Figueres Ferrer had a singular personality, being very direct and decisive; he is also remembered by his sense of humor, legacy that definitely shows in his son.
His life in short
José María Figueres was born on December 24th, 1954. He spent his childhood at "La Lucha", his father's farm, and one of his favorite activities was horse back riding in the fields. He studied at Lincoln High school, private bilingual institution, where he was elected as School President by an "outstanding" majority of two votes, as noted in the year book of the school. His professional studies of Industrial Engineering were concluded at the military academy of West Point but his real passion, as he recognizes it, is farming.
A sports lover, Figueres plays football soccer as goal keeper, but his real love is the ocean and diving, sport that he practices together with his son when allowed by his presidential activities. He enjoys easy listening music and Mexican "Rancheras", being Julio Iglesias and Rocío Durcal two of his favorite artists.
Described by his own wife as a brave, honest and tenacious man; his working capacity is both a virtue and a defect and his sense of humor can conquest mountains, which actually made her fall in love with him. Waste of time and resources in any situation make him really upset.
Affable, spontaneous, full of life, dynamic and charismatic by nature, José María Figueres Olsen is without a doubt an Ex-President that represents in many senses the meaning of being a "tico".
