Royo Sánchez, Arístides (1940– )

Panamanian politician, president 1978–82. He presided over a deteriorating economy, which forced the imposition of unpopular austerity measures. This, along with increasing opposition from within the military, forced his resignation in 1982.

Formerly education minister, Royo Sánchez was made president in 1978 by General Omar Torrijos Herrera, who had ruled the country since 1968 as a military dictator. However, Torrijos, using his power as head of the National Guard, remained the de facto ruler of the country until his death in 1981.