Irina Sabine Alice Karamanos Adrian (born 29 October 1989) is a Chilean social science professional. She was the domestic partner of Gabriel Boric, who was inaugurated as President of Chile on 11 March 2022. As a result, she assumed the roles of First Lady of Chile and Director of the Sociocultural Area of the Presidency.[2][3] She holds a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Education Sciences from the University of Heidelberg.
Irina Karamanos | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2022 | |
| First Lady of Chile | |
| In role 11 March 2022 – 16 November 2023 | |
| President | Gabriel Boric |
| Preceded by | Cecilia Morel |
| Succeeded by | Vacant |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 October 1989[1] Santiago, Chile |
| Political party | Social Convergence |
| Other political affiliations | Autonomist Movement (2016–2019) |
| Domestic partner(s) | Gabriel Boric (2019–2023) |
| Education | Heidelberg University University of Chile |
Politics
editKaramanos is an influential figure in her political party, Social Convergence, where she leads the Feminist Front. Initially, both she and Boric opposed the existence of the First Lady role, with Karamanos stating that it needed to be rethought to reflect the changing times and power dynamics.[4] However, after reflecting on the decision for several weeks, Karamanos decided to take on the role and reform it. She expressed her intention to focus on issues related to transgender rights and child migration.[5] The decision to assume the role and preserve its existence was met with both support and pushback from various feminist groups in Chile.[6]
Boric and Karamanos announced the end of their relationship in November 2023.[7]
Personal life
editKaramanos was born to schoolteacher Jorge Karamanos Eleftheriu, who was a Greek community leader in Santiago, Chile during the 1980s.[4] Her mother, Sabine Adrian Gierke, is a German-to-Spanish translator born in Uruguay.[1] Her paternal grandparents were born in Kymi, Greece and her maternal grandparents were born in Germany. She is fluent in Spanish, Greek, English and German.[8]
References
edit- ^ a b "Irina Karamanos". Government of Chile.
- ^ Montes, Rocío. "Irina Karamanos, una nueva primera dama para un nuevo Chile". El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 20 January 2022.
- ^ "Buenos Aires Times | Chile's first lady elect to give role feminist makeover". www.batimes.com.ar. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
- ^ a b Chrysopolous, Philip (20 December 2021). "Irina Karamanos: The Greek Partner of Chile's New President Gabriel Boric". GreekReporter.com. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
- ^ "Chile's first lady elect to give role feminist makeover". France 24. 18 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
- ^ "Partner of Chile's president-elect draws feminist ire over first lady role". France 24. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
- ^ Boric, Gabriel [@gabrielboric] (16 November 2023). "Irina es una mujer extraordinaria, en todas las dimensiones en que se puede entender a una persona. De una curiosidad infinita por los misterios de la vida porque sobre todo tiene ganas de vivirla. Es generosa como nadie, tenga poco o mucho, siempre va a compartir porque (...)". Retrieved 16 November 2023 – via Instagram.
- ^ ""First Lady" Irina Karamanos Speaks Of Her Greek Roots, Says "Chile Need A Feminist Conception Of Politics"". Greek City Times. 25 December 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2022.