Alfonso Quiñónez Molina
Alfonso Quiñónez Molina (January 11, 1874 – May 22, 1950) was President of El Salvador 21 December 1918 - 28 February 1919 and 1 March 1923 - 28 February 1927.[1]
Dr Alfonso Quiñónez Molina | |
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27th President of El Salvador | |
In office 1 March 1923 – 1 March 1927 | |
Vice President | Pío Romero Bosque |
Preceded by | Jorge Meléndez |
Succeeded by | Pío Romero Bosque |
In office 21 December 1918 – 1 March 1919 | |
Preceded by | Carlos Meléndez Ramirez |
Succeeded by | Jorge Meléndez |
In office 29 August 1914 – 1 March 1915 | |
Preceded by | Carlos Meléndez Ramirez |
Succeeded by | Carlos Meléndez Ramirez |
Personal details | |
Born | 11 January 1874 Suchitoto, El Salvador |
Died | 22 May 1950 (aged 76) San Salvador, El Salvador |
Political party | National Democratic Party |
Profession | Physician Politician |
He served as the Vice President of Carlos Meléndez and Jorge Meléndez from March 1915 to March 1923.
Early life
Alfonso was born to Lucio Quiñones and Aurelia Molina. He was married to Leonor Meléndez Ramirez, who was a sister of the presidents Carlos and Jorge Meléndez.[2]
Political career
The Melendez-Quinonez dynasty effectively ruled the country from 1914 to 1927. Molina was one of the founders of the Democratic Party of El Salvador. His policies largely served the interests of the coffee oligarchy of the country.
In 1918, Molina established the Lega Rojas, or the Red league,which intended to work as a mediator between the oligarchy and the peasants. It was deemed as the first attempt to form an official party in the country.[3] However, the far-reaching oligarchic control of the prevented the organization from achieving its goal. Later it supported the candidacy of President Jorge Melendez.
After becoming president in 1923, Molina ruled El Salvador like a ruthless dictator,harassing and suppressing any form of opposition.
It was common among Salvadoran presidents to declare an heir during the final days of their terms, as the constitution barred immediate re-election.
Molina handed the presidency to Vice-president Romero. He thought that as Romero did not spring from a rich family, he would be a puppet of Molina. However, Molina's plan backfired,and he,along with other members of the dynasty organized a coup against the new president. But, the coup, which took place in December 1927, ultimately failed.[4]
Molina's decision to borrow money from other countries to pave the roads of San Salvador sparked controversy in the country, and this controversy was exploited by subsequent rulers, like Maximiliano Hernández Martinez.[3]
References
- "Presidencia de El Salvador". Archived from the original on 2007-10-06. Retrieved 2007-10-06.
- https://www.geni.com/people/Alfonso-Qui%C3%B1%C3%B3nez-Molina-presidente-de-El-Salvador/6000000043286036049
- https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/quinones-molina-alfonso-1873-1950
- https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/q/quinones_molina.htm
Political offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by Carlos Meléndez (provisional) |
President of El Salvador 1914–1915 (provisional) |
Succeeded by Carlos Meléndez |
Preceded by Carlos Meléndez |
President of El Salvador 1918–1919 |
Succeeded by Jorge Meléndez |
Preceded by Jorge Meléndez |
President of El Salvador 1923–1927 |
Succeeded by Pío Romero Bosque |