Ricardo Ehrlich

Ricardo Mario Ehrlich (Montevideo, born 4 November 1948) is a Uruguayan biologist and a political figure.

Ing. Ricardo Mario Ehrlich
Ricardo Ehrlich in 2007
Municipal Intendant of Montevideo
In office April 1, 2005 – 2010
President	Tabaré Vázquez
Preceded by	Mariano Arana
Succeeded by	Hyara Rodríguez
Personal details
Born	(1948-11-04) November 4, 1948 (age 76) Montevideo, Uruguay
Political party	Broad Front
Spouse	Verónica Etchart
Children	Lucía y Leticia
Alma mater	Université Louis Pasteur
Occupation	Political, engineer
Awards	Premio Legión del Libro

Biography

From 2005 until 2010 he was Mayor (styled Intendente Municipal in Uruguayan vernacular Spanish) of Montevideo. He is from the prominent local Jewish community.

Ehrlich was a student militant who was jailed under the Presidency of Juan Maria Bordaberry who led a coup in 1973 to reinforce his rule at a time of great social tension. Subsequently, on his release in 1973, Ehrlich spent many years in exile in Europe.

By profession Ehrlich is a leading biochemist in Uruguay.

In 2005 Ehrlich stood for the leftist Frente Amplio in Montevideo's mayoral elections and won, gaining 60.9% of the vote. His nearest rival, for the Colorado Party, was Pedro Bordaberry, a son of former President Juan Maria Bordaberry, who scored 26.9%.

He was longlisted for the 2008 World Mayor award.

On March 1, 2010, new president José Mujica appointed him Minister of Education.