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Lieutenant Colonel José María Lemus López (22 July 1911 – 31 March 1993) was president of El Salvador from 14 September 1956 to 26 October 1960. Before becoming a president, he served as an undersecretary of defense and a minister of the interior.[1]
José María Lemus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 30th President of El Salvador | |
| In office 14 September 1956 – 26 October 1960 | |
| Vice President | Humberto Costa |
| Preceded by | Óscar Osorio |
| Succeeded by | Junta of Government Eusebio Cordón Cea as President |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 22 July 1911 La Unión, El Salvador |
| Died | 31 March 1993 (aged 81) San José, Costa Rica |
| Political party | Revolutionary Party of Democratic Unification |
| Spouse | Coralia Párraga de Lemus |
| Children | 7 |
| Occupation | Politician, military |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  El Salvador |
| Branch/service | Salvadoran Army |
| Years of service | 1933–1960 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
Life and career
editHe was born into a family of humble beginnings in La Unión, El Salvador. He was undersecretary of defense from 1948-1949. As President Óscar Osorio's choice for the successor to presidency, he antagonized many by fighting against corruption.[2] Having won the disputed election of 1956, he appointed prominent civilians into his government and allowed many exiles to return the country.[citation needed]
He was a member of the Party of Democratic Unification. He continued socio-economic reforms of his predecessor, but there was no improvement in the living standards of the working class.[3] He promulgated the Tenant Law, which protects the rights of the renters of houses or "Mesones, called also Vecindades" (apartment units with shared bathrooms).[citation needed] The law stipulating that landlords cannot increase the rent more than 10% every year made rent contract in houses obligatory with the objective of protecting the renter.[citation needed]
His government repealed the anti-sedition laws, therefore antagonizing the military. His government's decision to control the production of coffee infuriated the public. Soon after the Cuban revolution, there were widespread student protests. There was a subsequent roundup of dissidents and protesters.[4]
Overthrow and death
editFollowing these uncertainties, he was overthrown in a bloodless coup and a new, short-lived Junta government was formed consisting of three military (Miguel Ángel Castillo, César Yanes Urías, Rubén Alonso Rosales) and three civilian (Ricardo Falla Cáceres, Fabio Castillo Figueroa, Rene Fortín Magaña).[citation needed]
After his exile, he lived in New York City until his death in San Jose, Costa Rica. He died of Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving behind a wife and eight children.[citation needed]
References
edit- "Terra España - Noticias, deportes, música, moda y más". Terra.es. Retrieved 25 March 2017.