Sebastián Piñera served as the 34th and 36th president of Chile, governing from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2018 to 2022. An economist and entrepreneur, he was the first conservative leader democratically elected in the country since 1958. His political career began as a senator for East Santiago, spanning the years from 1990 until 1998.
Academic Background
Born in Santiago on December 1, 1949, Piñera completed his primary and secondary education after returning to Chile from Belgium and New York City in 1955. He earned a degree in commercial engineering from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile in 1971. He later attended Harvard University on a partial Fulbright Scholarship, where he obtained both a Master of Arts and a PhD in economics.
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Before his presidency, Piñera taught economic theory at the University of Chile, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and Adolfo Ibáñez University. His business interests were expansive, including significant stakes in LAN Airlines and the television network Chilevisión. His financial history included controversies such as the Banco de Talca case in 1982 and the Chispas Case, alongside allegations of tax evasion and bribery identified in the Pandora Papers.
Political Tenure
Piñera's presidencies were marked by major events, including the 2010 earthquake recovery and the rescue of 33 trapped miners. His administration oversaw the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2021 and implemented responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. He faced widespread civil unrest during the 2011 student protests and the 2019–2020 mass protest movements. By 2022, he maintained working relations with his successor, Gabriel Boric.
Foundations and Environmental Work
Piñera established multiple foundations, including Fundación Futuro, which was later renamed Fundación Cultura y Sociedad, and the Enterprising Women Foundation. Through the Grupo Tantauco, he focused on environmental initiatives and public reconciliation efforts regarding human rights. He also developed Parque Tantauco, a private natural reserve spanning 1,180 square kilometres on the southern end of Chiloé Island.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Santiago, Chile
- Died: 2024, Ranco Lake, Chile
- Education: Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Harvard University
- Political Party: National Renewal
- Presidential Terms: 2010–2014, 2018–2022
- Estimated Net Worth: US$2.7 billion
- Languages spoken: Spanish, English, French
- Burial site: Parque del Recuerdo Cemetery
Questions readers ask
How many terms did Sebastián Piñera serve as president?
He served two non-consecutive terms: 2010–2014 and 2018–2022.
What was the cause of Piñera's death?
He died in a helicopter crash on Lake Ranco on February 6, 2024.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav — 2019
- Affiliated with Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, University of Chile and Adolfo Ibáñez University
- Educated at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and Harvard University
- Worked as politician, economist and investor
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