Horacio Manuel Cartes Jara, born on July 5, 1956, is a prominent Paraguayan politician, businessperson, and sports executive. His father owned a Cessna aircraft franchise holding company, and Cartes studied aviation mechanics in the United States at the Spartan School of Aeronautics (now Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology). Returning to Paraguay at age 19, he founded a currency exchange business that expanded into Banco Amambay and grew into a conglomerate with interests in tobacco, beverages, meat production, banking, and other sectors, making him one of Paraguay's wealthiest individuals. Cartes entered politics with the Colorado Party, serving as President of Paraguay from 2013 to 2018. During his presidency, he oversaw a temporary move of Paraguay's embassy to Jerusalem, influencing relations with Israel. Since 2023, he has served as president of the Colorado Party, continuing his political influence.