Juan Velasco Alvarado (1910-1977) was an Ecuadorian military officer and politician. He served as the President of Ecuador from 1968 to 1975, leading the country through a period of significant political and social reforms.
Velasco Alvarado came to power after leading a military coup in 1968, overthrowing the incumbent president. He implemented a series of wide-ranging policies aimed at restructuring Ecuadorian society and reducing social and economic inequality. His government pursued an agenda of social justice, national development, and the empowerment of the working class.
During his presidency, Velasco Alvarado initiated several transformative reforms. He nationalized key industries and introduced agrarian reforms that redistributed land to peasant farmers. He also implemented progressive labor laws, including the establishment of minimum wages and the right to strike.
Furthermore, Velasco Alvarado pursued an active foreign policy, promoting non-alignment and closer ties with other developing countries. He aimed to reduce Ecuador's dependence on foreign powers and strengthen its position in global affairs.
Despite his initial popularity, Velasco Alvarado's regime faced criticism for its authoritarianism and human rights abuses. His rule witnessed the suppression of political opposition and limitations on press freedom. Towards the end of his presidency, economic decline and political pressure led to his removal from power in 1975.
Juan Velasco Alvarado remains an important figure in Ecuadorian history, credited with initiating significant reforms and addressing socio-economic disparities. His presidency marked a period of intense change and debate in the country, making him a controversial but influential figure.
