Background
Funes was born in San Salvador.
Funes was born in San Salvador.
Award - Recipient Maria Moors Cabot prize Columbia University, 1994
Prior to his involvement with politics of El Salvador, Funes was a journalist who hosted a popular interview show on television. He made appearances on Channel 12 and CNN en Español, and also hosted local news programs which were critical of previous governments. He was a reporter during the Salvadoran Civil War and interviewed leftist rebel leaders. It was during this time that he became more sympathetic to leftists in El Salvador, and he considers himself to be center-left. His presidential campaign was highlighted by statements endorsing moderate political policies.
He is married to Dr. Vanda Pignato and has 3 children.