Famous Argentine Presidents

Mauricio Macri is an Argentine businessman and politician who served as the President of Argentina from 2015 to 2019. Before his presidency, he was the Chief of Government of Buenos Aires and a member of the Chamber of Deputies. Macri led the Republican Proposal (PRO) party and focused on reforming the national economy, improving diplomatic relations, and pursuing moderate socially liberal policies. He strongly opposed the government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela and worked on strengthening Argentina's international relations through trade agreements and alliances.

Hipólito Yrigoyen was an Argentine politician who served as President of Argentina twice, from 1916 to 1922 and from 1928 to 1930. He played a key role in the implementation of the secret and mandatory male suffrage law. Known as "the father of the poor," he focused on improving the standard of living for the working class through progressive social reforms. Yrigoyen advocated for national control over currency, transportation, and energy sectors. His leadership saw increased political polarization and debates over the balance of power between the Executive Branch and Congress.

Raúl Ricardo Alfonsín was an Argentine lawyer and statesman who served as President of Argentina from 1983 to 1989, becoming the first democratically elected president after the National Reorganization Process. Ideologically a radical and social democrat, he led the Radical Civic Union and was known for "Alfonsinism." Alfonsín played a key role in addressing human rights abuses by the military, establishing the National Commission on the Disappearance of Persons and initiating the Trial of the Juntas. He also worked on economic plans and international mediation efforts.

Domingo Faustino Sarmiento was an influential Argentine activist, intellectual, writer, and President of Argentina. He was a key figure in the Generation of 1837, a group of intellectuals shaping 19th-century Argentina. Sarmiento's literary works, notably "Facundo," critiqued dictatorship and promoted democracy and education. As President, he modernized infrastructure and educational systems, advocating for intelligent thought and democracy. Sarmiento's legacy as a political innovator and writer is widely recognized, with Miguel de Unamuno praising him as one of the greatest Castilian prose writers.

Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is an Argentine lawyer and politician who served as president of Argentina from 2007 to 2015 and later as vice president from 2019 to 2023. She was the first elected female president of Argentina and the second female to hold the office. Fernández de Kirchner identifies as a Peronist and a progressive, following the political approach known as Kirchnerism. Throughout her terms in office, she faced challenges such as corruption scandals and legal accusations, including charges related to bribery and obstruction of justice.

Jorge Rafael Videla was an Argentine military officer who served as the 47th President of Argentina and the 1st President of the National Reorganisation Process from 1976 to 1981. His rule, known for its high level of human rights abuses and economic mismanagement, was marked by the widespread abduction, torture, and murder of activists and political opponents, along with their families. He was prosecuted for crimes against humanity and convicted of large-scale human rights abuses, including the systematic kidnapping of children.

Juan Domingo Perón was an Argentine lieutenant general, politician, and statesman who served as the 35th and 45th President of Argentina. He held various government positions, including Minister of Labour and Vice President. Perón implemented policies that focused on public works, social welfare, and improving working conditions. He supported trade unions and granted women's suffrage. Perón's government employed dictatorial tactics, leading to the exile and arrest of dissidents. His leadership was marked by both popularity and controversy, shaping the influential political movement of Peronism in Argentina.

Isabel Martínez de Perón was the 46th President of Argentina, serving from 1974 to 1976. She was the first female head of state in the world and the first woman to serve as president of a country. Prior to becoming president, she was Vice President and First Lady of Argentina during her husband's term. After her presidency, she was also the President of the Justicialist Party. She faced challenges including a military coup and subsequent arrest before being exiled to Spain.

Eduardo Duhalde is an Argentine politician who served as interim President of Argentina from January 2002 to May 2003. He also held positions such as Vice President and Governor of Buenos Aires. Duhalde began his political career in the 1970s, facing challenges such as being deposed during the Argentine coup d'état. He later served as vice president and governor, and ran for president in 1999. Duhalde's presidency saw economic challenges, but he played a key role in the country's recovery.

Juan Carlos Onganía Carballo was President of Argentina from 1966 to 1970, rising to power through a coup d'état known as the "Argentine Revolution." He aimed to establish a paternalistic dictatorship inspired by the Spanish Francisco Franco, giving the Armed Forces a prominent role in political and economic affairs. Onganía implemented strict censorship across various cultural sectors, leading to a new political and social order opposed to liberal democracy and communism. His presidency marked a period of significant political and social upheaval in Argentina.

Fernando de la Rúa was an Argentine politician and member of the Radical Civic Union (UCR) party. He served as President of Argentina from 1999 to 2001, having previously been a senator and deputy. De la Rúa opposed key political agreements and initiatives, such as the pact of Olivos and Menem's re-election. As the chief of government of Buenos Aires, he made significant infrastructure improvements, including expanding the Buenos Aires Underground system and establishing new urban amenities like bicycle paths.

Edelmiro Julián Farrell Plaul was an Argentine general who served as the de facto president of Argentina from 1944 to 1946. He played a significant role in shaping Argentine history by bringing Juan Perón into the government, which ultimately led to Perón's successful political career. Farrell's leadership and influence had a lasting impact on the political landscape of Argentina, setting the stage for the rise of Perón and the Peronist movement in the country.

Bernardino Rivadavia was a prominent figure in Argentina's early history, serving as the first President of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. He played key roles in various governmental positions, including Minister of Government and Foreign Affairs of the Province of Buenos Aires. Rivadavia's tenure as president was marked by efforts to establish a constitution, though it faced challenges and was ultimately rejected by the provinces. He later resigned and retired to Spain, where he passed away, eventually being honored with a repatriation of his remains to Argentina.

Alejandro Agustín Lanusse was a prominent figure in Argentine politics, serving as the de facto president of the Argentine Republic during the military dictatorship known as the "Argentine Revolution." He took office in a challenging political climate marked by guerrilla violence and popular discontent. Lanusse recognized the need for change and initiated a political opening by lifting the ban on Peronism, aiming to facilitate a transition towards democracy. His leadership during this critical period was characterized by efforts to navigate complex conflicts and steer the country towards a more inclusive political system.

Roque Sáenz Peña was an Argentine politician and lawyer who served as President of Argentina from 1910 until his passing in 1914. He was known for his progressive stance within the National Autonomist Party and his efforts to reform the electoral system. His most significant achievement was the passing of Law 8871, known as the "Sáenz Peña Law," which revolutionized the Argentine electoral process by introducing secret, universal, and compulsory voting for males over 18. This law played a crucial role in ending electoral fraud and opening up the political landscape in Argentina.

Agustín Pedro Justo was an Argentine military officer, diplomat, and politician who served as the president of Argentina from 1932 to 1938. He played a significant role in the coup of 1930 and assumed the presidency two years later amidst allegations of electoral fraud. Justo's administration, part of the Infamous Decade, saw the establishment of the country's central bank and the introduction of a nationwide income tax. Despite facing accusations of corruption and foreign influence, his presidency was marked by notable diplomatic achievements, particularly through his Foreign Minister Carlos Saavedra Lamas.

Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear was an Argentine lawyer and politician who served as president of Argentina from 1922 to 1928. During his presidency, he successfully improved the country's economy and finances, particularly through advancements in the automotive industry and oil exploitation. This led to significant economic prosperity, as evidenced by the rise in GDP per inhabitant ranking. Alvear also focused on urban development and immigration, leading to the growth of the middle class, increased real wages, and reduced labor conflicts.

Adolfo Rodríguez Saá is an Argentine Peronist politician who served as the governor of San Luis Province from 1983 to 2001. He was elected as the president of Argentina in 2001 following the resignation of President Fernando de la Rúa but resigned shortly after declaring the highest sovereign default in history. He later ran for President in the 2003 and 2015 elections, but was unsuccessful. His political career has been marked by his leadership roles in San Luis and his brief presidency of Argentina.

Lieutenant General José Félix Benito Uriburu y Uriburu was a military figure who served as the President of the Provisional Government of Argentina following a military coup. During his time in power, he controlled both the Executive and Legislative branches of government, acting as the de facto Head of state. Uriburu's administration was marked by major changes to Argentine politics, including the banning of political parties, suspension of elections, and the proposal to reorganize the country along corporatist and fascist lines.

Justo José de Urquiza y García was an Argentine general and politician who played a significant role in the country's history. He served as president of the Argentine Confederation from 1854 to 1860. Urquiza was instrumental in the defeat of Juan Manuel de Rosas at the Battle of Caseros in 1852, which led to the creation of a national constitution. He worked to improve foreign relations, promote public education, encourage colonization, and initiate railroad construction. Despite facing opposition from Buenos Aires, Urquiza successfully reunited the provinces and worked towards national organization.

José Félix Evaristo de Uriburu y Álvarez de Arenales was a skilled diplomat and served as President of Argentina from 1895 to 1898. He played a crucial role in peace negotiations during the War of the Pacific. Uriburu's diplomatic expertise and leadership qualities were further demonstrated when he assumed the presidency following the resignation of Luis Sáenz Peña. His legacy extended through his son, José Evaristo Uriburu y Tezanos Pinto, who went on to serve as the Argentinian Ambassador in London during the 1920s.

Manuel Gondra Pereira was a prominent figure in Paraguayan politics, serving as the 21st President of the country during two non-consecutive terms. Apart from his political career, he was known as an accomplished author and journalist. Gondra was a member of the Liberal Party and played a significant role in Paraguay's political landscape during the early 20th century. Despite facing challenges such as the rise of Albino Jara and the Paraguayan Civil War, Gondra led the Gondrist faction to victory in the latter conflict.