Famous Ecuadorian Presidents

Rafael Correa is an Ecuadorian economist and politician. From 2007 to 2017, Correa served as the president of Ecuador. During his presidency, Ecuador managed to reduce its poverty and raised the minimum wage, which in turn enhanced the standard of living in the country.

Jaime Roldós Aguilera was an Ecuadorian political figure who served as the President of Ecuador from 1979 until his death in 1981. Although his presidency was short-lived, Jaime Roldós Aguilera achieved immense popularity and reverence for his support for human rights.

Abdalá Bucaram is an Ecuadorian lawyer and politician. He is best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1996 to 1997. An influential politician, Abdalá Bucaram also served as the Mayor of Guayaquil from August 1984 to September 1985.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa is an Ecuadorian diplomat and politician. She is best known for her service as the Minister of Foreign Affairs on two occasions; from January 2007 to December 2007 and again from May 2017 to June 2018. An influential political leader, Maria Fernanda Espinosa also served as the Minister of National Defense from November 2012 to September 2014.

Conservative Party politician and the 24th president of Ecuador, José María Velasco Ibarra held the post of the president 5 times and was ousted by the military 4 times. He was a qualified lawyer, too. His tenure witnessed the construction of institutes, roads, bridges, and hospitals.

Gabriel García Moreno was an Ecuadorian aristocrat and politician. He is best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador on two occasions; from 1861 to 1865 and again from 1869 to 1875. He was also the Interim President of Ecuador on two occasions between 1861 and 1869. Gabriel García Moreno is also remembered for his stance against corruption.

Juan José Flores was a Venezuelan-born military general who served as the president of the new Republic of Ecuador on three non-consecutive terms. Enlisted as a private in the Spanish Royalist army at the age of 15, he grew up to be a military man with a commanding presence. He was an intelligent man and an eloquent orator. 

Lucio Gutiérrez is an Ecuadorian politician best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Prior to his political career, Gutiérrez served in the Ecuadorian Army. However, he turned against the government and became involved in a coup d'état in 2000, which aimed at toppling Jamil Mahuad's government.

Alfredo Palacio is an Ecuadorian former politician best known for his service as the President of Ecuador from 2005 to 2007. A prominent politician, Palacio also served as the Minister of Health from 1994 to 1996 and as the Vice President of Ecuador from 2003 to 2005. Since retiring from politics, Palacio has focused on his career as a cardiologist.

The 39th president of Ecuador, Rosalía Arteaga had been an acting president for a couple of days in 1997 and thus also scripted history as Ecuador’s first woman to hold the post. Initially a lawyer and educator, she stepped into politics as a councilwoman in Cuenca.

León Febres Cordero was an Ecuadorian political leader best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1984 to 1988. During his presidency, Febres-Cordero led a security crackdown on an infamous guerrilla group called Alfaro Vive, Carajo (AVC). An important politician, León Febres Cordero also served as the Mayor of Guayaquil from 1992 to 2000.

José Joaquín de Olmedo was an Ecuadorian political leader best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from March 1845 to December 1845. A prominent politician, José Joaquín de Olmedo also served as the Vice President of Ecuador from 12 September 1830 to 15 September 1831.

Ecuador’s 49th vice-president, Maria Alejandra Vicuna has also led the country as its Minister of Urban Development and Housing. The PAIS Alliance member also co-founded the Ecuadorian Commission on Education, Science, Technology, and Communication. She has also spent a year in prison for receiving money illegally.

The 14th president of Ecuador, Luis Cordero Crespo started his career as a Progresistas party politician. He was forced to resign following the sale of the flag scandal. However, all charges against him were later dropped. He had also been the President of the Provisional Government of Quito.

Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy was an Ecuadorian politician best remembered for his service as the President of Ecuador from 1961 to 1963. During his presidency, Arosemena Monroy modernized the telecommunications network and launched road construction work in Ecuador. A prominent political leader, Carlos Julio Arosemena Monroy also served as the Vice President of Ecuador from 1960 to 1961.

Initially an Ecuadorian naval attache, Alfredo Poveda later became a naval commander and admiral. He also served as an interim president after coming to power through a coup in 1976, which ousted President Guillermo Rodríguez Lara. He was one of the leaders who signed the Declaration of Bogotá.