Chiari, Roberto Francisco (1905-1981)

Panamanian politician, member of the National Liberal Party, president 1960-64. Faced with the country in recession, he introduced tax reforms and borrowed from the international community to finance a $207 million development plan, targeted at both urban and rural areas. He also intervened personally to end a serious strike during 1960-61 by 10,000 banana workers.

Born in Panamá, into a wealthy family with extensive interests in sugar and dairying, his father, Rodolfo Chiari, was president 1924-28. Roberto Chiari, who had been a second vice-president in 1949, was elected president in 1960 as the candidate of a four-party coalition, led by his National Liberal Party.