The 33rd President of Panama, serving from 1994 to 1999, known for his economic reforms and efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure. He also played a key role in the transfer of the Panama Canal from the US to Panama.
Ernesto Pérez Balladares, nicknamed "El Toro" (The Bull), is a Panamanian politician who served as the President of Panama from 1994 to 1999. He is known for his market-oriented reforms, privatization of government services, and rehabilitation of officials from the Noriega regime.
Ernesto Pérez Balladares was born on June 29, 1946. He received his master's degrees from the University of Notre Dame and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Before entering politics, he worked as a credit officer for City Bank in Panama and Central America.
Pérez Balladares began his political career in 1989, serving as Minister of Economy and Finances under military ruler Omar Torrijos. He later became a key figure in the campaign of Carlos Duque, a presidential candidate supported by Manuel Noriega.
In 1994, Pérez Balladares was elected President of Panama, defeating Arnulfista Party candidate Mireya Moscoso and salsa singer Ruben Blades in a close three-way race. During his presidency, he implemented market-oriented reforms, privatised government services, and sought to strengthen ties with the United States.
Pérez Balladares' presidency was marred by corruption allegations, and in 2009, prosecutors opened an investigation into charges dating back to his time in office. He was placed under house arrest in 2010 and charged with money laundering, but was later acquitted in 2011. In 2012, he was convicted of slandering the comptroller, Alvin Weeden, and fined $3,000 or sentenced to one year in prison.
Ernesto Pérez Balladares is married to Dora Boyd de Pérez Balladares. Despite his controversial presidency, he remains a significant figure in Panamanian politics, known for his unapologetic style and commitment to free-market principles.
Pérez Balladares' presidency marked a significant shift in Panama's economic policies, moving towards greater privatisation and liberalisation. While his legacy is controversial, he remains an important figure in Panamanian history, embodying the complexities and challenges of the country's transition to democracy.
Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Pérez Balladares' commitment to free-market principles and his unapologetic style continue to influence Panamanian politics, making him a fascinating and complex figure in the country's history.
63 Years Old
The 35th President of Panama, a key figure in the country's economic and political development, known for expanding the Panama Canal and promoting social reforms.
97 Years Old
Led a military coup to overthrow Panama's government, then ruled the country while negotiating the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which eventually transferred ownership of the Panama Canal from the US to Panama.
