Ricardo Ehrlich

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

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.