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.