Alfredo Stressner Paraguayan statesman Date of Birth: 03.11.1912 Country: Paraguay

1. Early Life and Military Career
2. Rise to Power
3. Dictatorship
4. Foreign Policy
5. Domestic Policy: Repression and Corruption
6. Economic Challenges and Growing Opposition
7. Political Instability and Internal Divisions
8. Overthrow
9. Exile and Legacy

Early Life and Military Career

Alfredo Stroessner was born in 1912 into a family of German colonists in Paraguay. In 1928, he enrolled in the National Military School, where he demonstrated his abilities and was noticed by his instructors.

Rise to Power

During the 1947 Paraguayan Civil War, Stroessner supported President Morínigo but later switched allegiance to Felipe Molas López, helping him seize power. He rose through the military ranks, becoming commander of the armed forces in 1953.

Dictatorship

In 1954, Stroessner staged a military coup, overthrowing President Federico Chávez and becoming president. He established a military-police dictatorship that protected the interests of landowners, foreign companies, and the comprador bourgeoisie.

Foreign Policy

Stroessner maintained close ties with reactionary regimes in Latin America and abroad. He met with U.S. officials and visited South Africa in 1975, signing agreements for cooperation.

Domestic Policy: Repression and Corruption

Stroessner's regime was characterized by systematic repression and human rights violations. Thousands of opponents were imprisoned, including hundreds without charges. Concentration camps were established, and violence and torture were rampant. Corruption and financial mismanagement plagued the economy.

Economic Challenges and Growing Opposition

Despite his dictatorial rule, Stroessner faced growing economic and political challenges. A failed attempt at agrarian reform and a lack of investment led to widespread poverty. In 1985, trade unions united to form the Inter-Union Movement of Workers.

Political Instability and Internal Divisions

The ruling Colorado Party split into two factions: activists who supported the dictatorship and traditionalists who opposed the military's dominance. Stroessner's grip on power weakened as the United States sought a successor.

Overthrow

In 1988, the Colorado Party's convention was marred by controversy and violence. Disgruntled members formed a coalition and planned a coup. On the night of February 2, 1989, General Andrés Rodríguez, Stroessner's son-in-law, overthrew him in a palace coup.

Exile and Legacy

Stroessner fled to Brazil after his overthrow. He died in exile in 2006. His dictatorship left a lasting legacy of human rights abuses, economic instability, and political repression in Paraguay.