Siles Zuazo, Hernán (1914-1996)

Bolivian president 1956-60 and 1982-85), conservative politician, and lawyer. He founded the National Revolutionary Movement (MNR) and led the bloody revolt that brought the MNR into power in 1952. He was vice president to Victor Paz Estenssoro 1952-56, succeeding him as president in 1956. His administration continued with the reform programmes initiated by his predecessor. He also implemented a successful programme to improve the nation's economy. Labour disputes, high inflation and monetary devaluation marred his second his term in office.

In 1960, Paz Estenssoro returned to power. Siles went into exile after 1964, remaining politically active with the formation of a breakaway group of the MNR - the Movimento de la Izquierda Revolucionaria (MIR; Revolutionary Left Movement). He returned to Bolivia and became president again in 1982