Durán Bellén, Sixto (1922– )

Ecuadorean politician and president 1992–96. He took office during a deepening national economic crisis and was successful in reducing the inflation rate of 50% in the early 1990s to less than 10% by 1996. Social problems were still severe however, with over half the population living at subsistence levels.

The election of the conservative Durán Ballén marked yet again another change in Ecuadorean politics. Unlike the administration of president Borja Cevallos, his party, the Republican Unity Party, favoured free market reform and privatization. His administration immediately implemented new policies that would encourage privatization and increase foreign investment. He also aimed to reduce bureaucracy. Economic austerity measures were also instituted, particularly a reduction in state expenditure.