Famous Nicaraguan Presidents

Anastasio Somoza García was a Nicaraguan leader who served as the president of Nicaragua from 1937 to 1947 and again from 1950 to 1956. Before becoming the president of Nicaragua, Somoza played a major role in ousting the then-President Adolfo Díaz. Somoza is credited with starting the Somoza family, which had absolute control over Nicaragua for more than four decades. 

The only woman to ever serve as the president of Nicaragua, Violeta Chamorro, was born to an affluent cattle rancher and was mostly educated in the U.S. She was married to La Prensa heir Pedro Joaquim Chamorro Cardenal and later took over the operations of the paper.

Enrique Bolaños is a Nicaraguan former politician. He served as the president of Nicaragua from January 2002 to January 2007. Prior to this, he had been the vice president under his predecessor, Arnoldo Alemán. He was a successful businessman before he ventured into politics. As the president, he implemented many reforms to fight corruption. He has since retired from politics.

Arnoldo Alemán is a Nicaraguan politician who became the 81st President of Nicaragua on 10 January 1997. A qualified lawyer, he practiced law for several years before entering politics. As the president, he was successful in promoting economic growth in the country. After his term ended in 2002, he was convicted of corruption. These convictions were later overturned. 

The son of former Nicaraguan president Anastasio Somoza Debayle, Luis Somoza Debayle led the country as its president after his father’s assassination. His regime was liberal, and he made efforts to modernize his country. After stepping down from his presidential position, he became a senator.

José Santos Zelaya was a Nicaraguan political figure best remembered for his service as the President of Nicaragua from 1893 to 1909. During his presidency, Zelaya enacted many progressive programs, such as established steam ship lines and improved railroads and public education. José Santos Zelaya also enacted a number of constitutional rights.

Juan Bautista Sacasa was a Nicaraguan political figure best remembered for his service as the President of Nicaragua from 1933 to 1936. An influential politician, Sacasa also served as the Vice President of Nicaragua from 1925 to 1926. The decline of his popularity at the end of his presidency marked the rise of the infamous dictator, Anastasio Somoza García.

Sergio Ramírez is a Nicaraguan intellectual and writer who played an important role during the revolution of 1979. He is best known for his service as the Vice President of Nicaragua from 1985 to 1990. Ramírez is the recipient of many prestigious awards such as the Miguel de Cervantes Prize, Jose Donoso Award, and Casa de las Américas Novel Prize.

Emiliano Chamorro Vargas was a Nicaraguan political figure best remembered for his service as the President of Nicaragua on two occasions; he first served from 1917 to 1921 and again from March 1926 to November 1926. During his presidency, Emiliano Chamorro Vargas made an honest attempt to pay off Nicaragua's creditors.

Víctor Manuel Román y Reyes was a Nicaraguan political figure best remembered for his service as the President of Nicaragua from 1947 until his death in 1950. His actions during his presidency enabled the minority in Nicaragua to enter Congress.