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Juan Pereda AsbunBolivian political and military figure
Date of Birth: 17.06.1931
Country:  Bolivia |
Content:
- Juan Pereda Asbún: Bolivian President and Military Leader
- Military and Political Career
- Short-Lived Presidency
- Overthrow and Later Life
- Personal Life and Legacy
Juan Pereda Asbún: Bolivian President and Military Leader
Early Life and EducationJuan Pereda Asbún was born on June 17, 1931, in La Paz, Bolivia, to middle-class parents Marcos Pereda and María Luisa Asbún. He joined the military at a young age and graduated from the Air Force College. He later pursued advanced studies in aeronautics in Florence, Italy, and completed command courses at the Argentine Army General Staff School.
Military and Political Career
Upon returning to Bolivia, Pereda served as an air attaché in Peru. He also served as a professor and director at the Air Force College. During Hugo Banzer's presidency, he held the positions of Minister of Trade and Industry and Minister of the Interior and Justice. In 1977, he became the commander of the Bolivian Air Force and was appointed Banzer's successor.
Short-Lived Presidency
In 1978, Banzer called for presidential elections, with Pereda as the government candidate. Initial results indicated that Pereda had won, but widespread allegations of fraud led to the cancellation of the elections. Pereda, however, declared himself the victor, sparking protests and opposition.
Supported by a faction of the military, Pereda forced Banzer to resign and was sworn in as President on July 21, 1978. He immediately imposed martial law and purged the government of Banzer's loyalists. Despite these measures, protests continued to grow.
Pereda's government attempted to stabilize the country by recognizing the new constitution, joining international agreements, and introducing social welfare programs. However, the arrest of opposition leaders and alleged plans to postpone elections led to his downfall.
Overthrow and Later Life
On November 24, 1978, Pereda was overthrown by a military coup led by General David Padilla. He was arrested but later released and retired from politics. He settled in Santa Cruz, where he lived until his death in November 2012.
In December 2007, Italy issued an arrest warrant for Pereda for his alleged role in the "Operation Condor" repression campaign while he was Minister of the Interior. He was also accused of sexual harassment and possession of cocaine in 2010.
Personal Life and Legacy
Pereda Asbún had four children and five grandchildren. He maintained a private life in his later years, although he continued to follow political events closely. Despite his brief and controversial presidency, he is remembered as a significant figure in Bolivian military and political history.
