Ruiz Cortinez, Adolfo (1891-1973)

Mexican political leader, member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), president 1952-58. He promoted administrative honesty and internal colonization to relieve rural poverty. During his presidency, women were given the right to vote and ‘civic betterment juntas’ were established locally. Strikes by railroad workers and teachers were severely repressed in 1958.

Born in Veracruz, Ruiz Cortines held positions in the administrations of presidents Manuel Ávila Camacho and Miguel Alemán 1940-52, including interior minister, and was governor of Veracruz state 1944-48.