Background and career
Abdalá Jaime Bucaram Ortiz ( ahb-də-LAH buu-kə-RAHM; born 4 February 1952) is an Ecuadorian politician and lawyer who was the 38th president of Ecuador from 1996 until his removal from office in 1997. As president, Bucaram was nicknamed "El Loco Que Ama" ("The Madman Who Loves", a nickname he championed).
Of Lebanese descent, Bucaram was born in Guayaquil and grew up playing sports, becoming a gym teacher before studying law in the University of Guayaquil. He later became the mayor of the town and began his political career. In 1988 and 1992, Bucaram unsuccessfully ran for president, having won in his third attempt in 1996. However, shortly after taking office, Bucaram was criticized for his bad attitude towards the press. He was also involved in several cases which eroded public support.

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