Pérez Jiménez, Marcos (1914-2001)

Venezuelan president 1952-58. He led the military junta that overthrew the Acción Democrática government of Rómulo Gallegos in 1948 and was made provisional president in 1952. In 1953 he was approved as constitutional president by congress. His regime had a reputation as the most repressive in Venezuelan history. It also encouraged European immigration and undertook massive public works in the capital, Caracas.