José Makluf

He began his political activities during his student years.^[2] In 1959, he was elected president of the Student Center of his high school, and the following year assumed the vice-presidency of the Secondary Students Federation of Valparaíso.^[2]

During his university years, he held several leadership positions.^[2] In 1962, he joined the university branch of the Christian Democratic Party, serving as its president and also presiding over the Federation of Students of his university.^[2] In 1964, he was appointed councillor of the Unión de Federaciones Universitarias de Chile and served as Guild Officer of the Christian Democratic Youth (JDC), also holding the position of provincial president.^[2]

After qualifying as a lawyer, he continued to develop political functions within his party.^[2] Between 1964 and 1973, he served as delegate to the National Board.^[2] In 1965, he was elected National Councillor of the Christian Democratic Youth, and in 1969 was appointed Communal Vice-President.^[2]

Professionally, between 1972 and 1973, he practiced law independently, advising multiple organizations, trade, housing and neighborhood cooperatives.^[2] In 1980, he was elected President of Neighborhood Unit No. 18 “Hospital”, a position he held until 1987.^[2] He later again assumed the communal presidency of his party in Viña del Mar for two years, until 1993.^[2] Between 1991 and 1993, he was elected President of the Concertación de Partidos por la Democracia and served as national Vice-President of the Professionals and Technicians Front of his party in his region.^[2] In 1993, he again served as delegate to the National Board.^[2]

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