Gualberto Villarroel

Gualberto Villarroel López ( * December 15, 1908 in Villa Rivero, Cochabamba, † July 21, 1946 in La Paz ) was the 39th President of Bolivia. His term lasted 20 December 1943 to 21 July 1946. Reformer is sympathy for fascism have cherished and is therefore sometimes compared with the Argentine president Juan Domingo Peron.

Life and work

Villarroel was born in a country house in Villa Rivero, Cochabamba. In 1925, he joined the military. He participated in the Chaco War against Paraguay ( 1932-1935 ). In December 1943, he was involved in a coup against the president Enrique Penaranda del Castillo. After the takeover of power on December 20, 1943 Villarroel was until April 5, 1944, first president of the Government Junta, later to August 6 1944 provisional president. Then he officially took over the office of President of Bolivia. During his tenure, far- reaching reforms, such as the official recognition of trade unions.

On July 21, 1946 anti-government crowds headed for the Plaza Murillo, where the Palacio Quemado, the seat of government, lies, and they besieged it. Inside the palace Villarroel announced his abdication. But the masses stormed the building and Villarroel was murdered. His body was thrown from a balcony and hung from a lamppost opposite the palace. The U.S. Secret Service said to have played a major role in organizing the revolution.

After this coup the conservative opponents Villarroels regained control of the government and kept it until 9 April 1952 the beginning of the revolution. Villarroel ( "El Presidente colgado " ) has since been considered by the majority of the Bolivian population as a martyr and hero.

Others

In La Paz Department, the province Gualberto Villarroel Gualberto Villarroel López is named after.