Leon Esteban Febres-Cordero Ribadeneyra
Ecuador- Political Career
- Initial Political Involvement
- National Front for Recovery
- Presidency
- Human Rights Concerns
- 1987 Kidnapping
- Later Career
Political Career
Leon Febres Cordero Ribadeneyra, an Ecuadorian politician, served as the President of Ecuador from 1984 to 1988. Prior to his presidency, he held the position of Mayor of Guayaquil twice.
Initial Political Involvement
Febres Cordero's political journey began in 1965 when he became President of the Industrial Federation of Guayaquil and President of the Association of Latin American Industrialists. In 1966, he was elected Deputy to Ecuador's National Legislative Assembly, followed by a term as Senator from 1966 to 1970.
National Front for Recovery
In the late 1970s, Febres Cordero joined the Social Christian Party and was elected to the National Congress in 1979. As an opposition member, he criticized the reformist social programs of Presidents Jaime Roldós and Osvaldo Hurtado. In 1984, he became the leader of the National Front for Recovery.
Presidency
As President from 1984 to 1988, Febres Cordero pursued a free-market economic policy. However, he faced a lack of majority support in the National Congress, and his policies failed to gain public support, leading to worsening socio-economic conditions.
Human Rights Concerns
Febres Cordero's presidency was marred by allegations of human rights violations. He was accused of condoning torture and extrajudicial killings of prisoners. He was a political ally of US President Ronald Reagan and drew criticism for his association with the Reagan administration.
1987 Kidnapping
In January 1987, Febres Cordero was kidnapped by supporters of arrested General Frank Vargas. Vargas was later successfully freed by his supporters.
Later Career
After his presidency, Febres Cordero served as Mayor of Guayaquil from 1992 to 2000. His legacy remains controversial, with accusations of corruption and human rights abuses, but he is also remembered for his pro-business policies.
