Laurence Golborne

Laurence Nelson Golborne Riveros (born Lorence Nelson Golborne Riveros, Santiago, July 11, 1961) is a Chilean engineer and entrepreneur. He was minister of public works until November 7, 2012, when he announced his decision to run for President of Chile. He previously had been bi-minister of Mining and Energy in the administration of President Sebastián Piñera. He withdrew from the presidential campaign on April 29, 2013, after two consecutive public scandals.

Family and education

Golborne grew up in Maipú, a working-class commune in the south-west of the capital Santiago, where his father, Wilfred, a merchant of English descent developed his entrepreneurial streak through an ironmonger business.

The youngest of six children in the family,

Golborne graduated from the Instituto Nacional José Miguel Carrera, where he pursued civil engineering. His management of the rescue operation resulted in his becoming the most popular politician in Chile.

On January 14, 2011 Golborne was designated Minister of Energy by president Piñera. He was sworn in on January 16, 2011.

In July 2011, Golborne was appointed minister of public works. On November 7, 2012 he announced his candidacy in the 2013 Chilean presidential election. He withdrew from the presidential campaign on April 29, 2013, after two consecutive public scandals.

In July 2016, Golborne was charged by the Chilean government prosecutor for tax offenses.

In popular culture Actor Rodrigo Santoro portrays Golborne in the 2015 film The 33, directed by Patricia Riggen.