Bánzer Suárez, Hugo

Bánzer Suárez, Hugo (`gō bän`sĕr swä`rĕs), 1926–2002, Bolivian military and political leader, president of Bolivia (1971–78; 1997–2001). Educated at military schools in Bolivia and the United States, he held a number of government posts in the 1960s. Following his service (1969–71) as director of Bolivia's military academy, he was exiled to Argentina, but soon returned and overthrew President Juan José Torres. Bánzer's military government was marked by severe repression, with thousands arrested, hundreds of political opponents killed, and the media suppressed. He survived 13 coup attempts but in 1978 was forced from office. He subsequently founded the Nationalist Democratic Action party (ADN) and was five times an unsuccessful candidate for president before he won in 1997, having meanwhile refashioned himself as a democrat. In office, he worked to eliminate coca growing and helped lead Bolivia toward democracy, but was widely accused of corruption. Ill health forced his retirement in 2001.

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Bánzer Suárez, Hugo

(born July 10, 1926, Santa Cruz, Bol.—died May 5, 2002, Santa Cruz) Soldier and president of Bolivia (1971–78, 1997–2001). After an education in Bolivian and U.S. Army training schools, Bánzer served in various government posts. He became president after participating in the overthrow of two Bolivian governments in 1970 and 1971. A conservative, he encouraged foreign investment and severely repressed all opposition. His restrictions of union activities and constitutional liberties led to opposition by labour, the clergy, peasants, and students. A 1978 coup d'état overthrew him, but he was democratically elected in 1997. He resigned in 2001.