Lleras Camargo, Alberto (1906–1990)

Colombian politician and president 1945–46 and 1958–62. His first term in office was very brief, but during his second term Lleras temporarily succeeded in stabilizing the economy, though unemployment, difficulties in the coffee industry, and increased reliance on foreign aid brought about economic stagnation towards the end of his administration.

Lleras entered into politics as a Liberal party member. He occupied many important government positions during the 1930s and 1940s, leading up to a limited presidential term between 1945–46. He served as the director of the Pan-American Union 1947–48 and also as secretary general of the Organization of American States 1948–54.

Lleras was instrumental in formulating a constitutional arrangement for a Frente Nacional (National Front) government – a coalition of conservatives and liberals. This facilitated a unique agreement enabling bipartisan power sharing between the two main parties over a 12-year period (subsequently extended to 16 years). The amendment was embodied in the ‘Declaration of Sitges’ of December 1957 and ended over a decade of political instability that had cost in excess of 200,000 lives. In the 1958 elections, the failure of the Conservatives to select a candidate, resulted in Lleras' selection to hold the presidential seat.