Videla, Gabriel Goncález (1898–1980)

Chilean president 1946–52. He was a political reformist and outlawed the Communist Party in Chile in 1948, despite having communist members in his cabinet 1946–1948 and sided with the USA in the Cold War. He made little progress in improving Chile's socio-economic problems during his term in office.

Videla was elected president following the death of president Juan Antonio Ríos Morales in 1946. By the end of his term in office, Chileans were apathetic of politicians and widespread disenchantment with the conservative administration under Videla led to Ibáñez del Campo winning the presidency in 1952.