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Marcos Perez JimenPresident of Venezuela
Date of Birth: 25.04.1914
Country:  Spain |
Content:
- Marcos Pérez Jiménez: A Dictatorial Regime in Venezuela
- Military Coups and Junta Rule
- Presidency: Infrastructure and Repression
- Uprising and Exile
- Later Years and Death
Marcos Pérez Jiménez: A Dictatorial Regime in Venezuela
Early Life and Military EducationMarcos Evangelista Pérez Jiménez was born in Michelena, Táchira State, Venezuela, on April 25, 1914. The son of Juan Pérez Bustamante, a farmer, and Adela Jiménez, a schoolteacher, Pérez Jiménez completed his early education in his hometown before pursuing higher studies in Colombia. In 1934, he graduated at the top of his class from the Military Academy in Venezuela and later attended the war college in Peru.
Military Coups and Junta Rule
Pérez Jiménez played a key role in the 1945 coup that brought democratic leader Rómulo Betancourt to power as President of the ruling Revolutionary Government Junta. However, in 1948, amid fears of declining military salaries and halted modernization, Pérez Jiménez and Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Delgado Chalbaud staged another coup. Betancourt and subsequent President Rómulo Gallegos were exiled, the Communist Party outlawed, and a junta took over power, with Pérez Jiménez as one of its members.
Presidency: Infrastructure and Repression
Following Delgado's assassination in 1950, the military junta was reformed, with Pérez Jiménez at its head. In 1952, he was elected President in a much-criticized election. During his presidency, he initiated several infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, government buildings, and social housing. Venezuela's economy also experienced growth.
Pérez Jiménez proved to be a ruthless dictator, suppressing opposition with an iron fist. His regime was marred by political persecution and the violation of civil liberties.
Uprising and Exile
In January 1958, a popular uprising forced Pérez Jiménez to flee Venezuela and seek refuge in the United States. He lived in exile until his deportation in 1963. Upon his return, he was charged with embezzlement and sentenced to prison.
Later Years and Death
After serving his sentence, Pérez Jiménez was released and exiled to Spain. In the 1960s, he unsuccessfully ran for Senate but was disqualified due to his criminal record. Pérez Jiménez died in Madrid, Spain, on September 20, 2001, at the age of 87.
