Janio Quadros
BrazilJanio Quadros
Janio Quadros was a Brazilian statesman and lawyer who served as the President of Brazil from January 31 to August 25, 1961.
Early Life and Education
Quadros earned a law degree and began his political career in 1950 as a member of the São Paulo Municipal Council.
Political Ascendancy
From 1953 to 1954, Quadros served as the Mayor of São Paulo. He then governed the state of São Paulo as Governor from 1955 to 1959. In 1959, Quadros became a member of the Brazilian Congress.
Presidency
Quadros assumed the presidency on January 31, 1961.Foreign Policy
He adopted a more independent stance from the United States in foreign policy, re-establishing diplomatic relations with the USSR and other socialist countries. Quadros supported Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba and awarded the revolutionary leader Che Guevara Brazil's highest honor, the Order of the Southern Cross. His policies alienated the US, Brazil's financial elite, and the military.
Resignation
On August 24, 1961, Carlos Lacerda, Governor of Guanabara, accused Quadros of planning a coup and declared that the President had lost effective power. The following day, Quadros's letter of resignation was released to the parliament.
Later Life
Since Vice President João Goulart was abroad on an official visit to China, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Ranieri Mazzilli, temporarily assumed the presidency.
Quadros returned to the political arena and served as Mayor of São Paulo from 1986 to 1988.
