Lusinchi, Jaime (1924– )

Venezuelan politician and president 1984–88. The austere policies he followed in an effort to solve his country's economic problems proved unpopular and he lost the 1988 election to his Democratic Action Party (AD) rival, Carlos Andres Perez.

Lusinchi was born in Clarines, Anzoategui state. He joined the AD while a medical student but was exiled during the repressive regime of General Jimenez, spending time in Argentina, Chile, and the USA 1952–58. The revival of democratic government saw his return and he became politically active again, entering parliament and eventually becoming AD leader. In 1984 he succeeded Christian Social Party (COPEI) leader Luis Herrera as president.