Raúl Alfonsín
From Freepedia
| Term of Office: | December 10 1983— July 8 1989 |
|---|---|
| Predecessor: | Reynaldo Bignone |
| Successor: | Carlos Menem |
| Vice-president: | Víctor Martínez |
| Date of Birth: | March 13, 1927 |
| Place of Birth: | Chascomús, Buenos Aires |
| Profession: | Lawyer |
| Political Party: | Radical Civic Union |
Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín Foulkes (born 13 March 1927) is an Argentine politician, who was the President of Argentina from 10 December 1983 to 9 July 1989.
A member of the Radical Civic Union, he was elected to the Buenos Aires provincial legislature in 1958. He stood for the Radical Party nomination for the 1973 presidential election but lost to Ricardo Balbín.
After the collapse of the military junta of the Proceso de Reorganización Nacional in 1983 as a result of the disastrous Falklands War, new presidential elections were held. Alfonsín, who had been elected leader of the party in July that year, became president.
His government prosecuted some members of the previous military regime for human rights abuses committed during the Dirty War, but found resistance from the military and was plagued by economic and labour problems.
In 1989, the economic situation in Argentina had deteriorated to the point of causing hyperinflation (over 200% monthly), and in some large cities (particularly Rosario) there were riots and looting. Alfonsín left office six months before the end of his term, to President elect Carlos Menem, of the Peronist.
In 1995 Alfonsín resigned as leader of the Radical Party after their poor election performance, but continued to be an important figurehead.
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| Preceded by: Reynaldo Bignone | President of Argentina 1983–1989 | Succeeded by: Carlos Menem |
Categories: Argentina politics stubs | Argentine people stubs | Liberalism stubs | 1927 births | Presidents of Argentina
