Rafael Correa, the former President of Ecuador, has maintained a remarkably private and stable romantic life, particularly in the public eye. Unlike many political figures whose personal lives often become fodder for media scrutiny, Correa's romantic history is largely defined by his long-standing marriage to Anne Malherbe Gosselin, a Belgian educator. Their enduring partnership has been a consistent backdrop to his prominent political career, from his rise to power to his post-presidency life in exile.
The story of Rafael Correa and Anne Malherbe began in the late 1980s in Belgium. Correa, an aspiring economist, was pursuing his master's degree at the Catholic University of Louvain (UCLouvain). It was within these academic halls that he met Anne Malherbe, a Belgian national born in Namur in 1968. Their paths crossed as students, leading to a romance that would culminate in marriage and a shared life spanning decades and continents.
Their relationship blossomed, and the couple married in 1992. Following their wedding, they made the significant decision to move to Ecuador, Correa's home country. This move marked a new chapter for Anne Malherbe, as she embraced a life in a new culture, supporting her husband as he embarked on his academic and eventually, political journey. Their union soon expanded with the arrival of their three children: daughters Sofia Bernardette and Anne Dominique, and son Rafael Miguel, establishing a strong family unit that remained largely out of the political spotlight.
As Rafael Correa's political career ascended, culminating in his presidency from 2007 to 2017, Anne Malherbe Gosselin adopted a distinct approach to her role as First Lady. She notably maintained a low public profile, often declining to embrace the traditional title of "First Lady." This stance was rooted in her belief in equality, asserting that all citizens, regardless of their spouse's position, are equal. Her husband, President Correa, publicly supported her decision, reinforcing their shared values regarding public service and personal humility.
Despite her preference for privacy, Anne Malherbe occasionally stepped into the public sphere, often driven by humanitarian concerns. In July 2007, early in Correa's presidency, she gained public sympathy in Ecuador for a statement she made during a telephone interview with EFE. She addressed the case of an Ecuadorian child, Angélica Loja Cajamarca, who, along with her mother, had been detained in Belgium for not carrying a photo ID. This rare public intervention highlighted her compassionate nature and her willingness to use her platform for social issues, even while largely shunning the ceremonial aspects of her role.
The couple's family life, though kept private, was understood to be a significant anchor for Rafael Correa amidst the demands of his presidency. Public reports occasionally touched upon the balance between his intense political commitments and his family responsibilities. Towards the end of his final term, in 2015, it was reported that a key factor in his decision not to seek re-election was a promise he had made to his wife, Anne Malherbe, to prioritize their family life after years of public service. Bolivian President Evo Morales, a close ally, publicly acknowledged this, stating that Correa was "putting the interests of the family, especially his wife, first."
After concluding his presidency in 2017, Rafael Correa and Anne Malherbe Gosselin relocated to Belgium, her native country, where they continue to reside. This move allowed them to return to the place where their relationship began and provided a degree of privacy away from the intense political climate of Ecuador. While Correa remains an active voice in political discourse from abroad, their life in Belgium signifies a return to a more personal focus, fulfilling the commitment to family that was cited as a reason for his departure from the highest office.
Throughout his public life, Rafael Correa's romantic history has been characterized by the singular, enduring partnership with Anne Malherbe Gosselin. There is no significant public record of other romantic interests or relationships prior to their marriage, suggesting a consistent and committed personal life. Their journey together, from university students in Belgium to the presidential palace in Ecuador and back to Europe, underscores a relationship built on shared values and mutual support, weathering the storms of a high-profile political career with remarkable stability and discretion.