Leon Febres Cordero

Leon Febres Cordero was the former president of Ecuador between 1984 and 1988. He was highly sympathetic to the United States, and what a large proponent of free market policy. Lovingly called Leon, by Ecuadorians in reference to his wild white hair.  Although he was not always perfect and had some minor human rights abuses against rebel groups Leon Febres Cordero was widely liked and known as a strong leader.

In his 1986 speech to President Ronald Regan, Leon Febres Cordero details that Ecuador has moved closer towards the free market, capitalist model of the United States. Ecuador also followed in the footsteps of the united states when they moved back to democratic elections in 1979. Febres Cordero argues that these are great steps for Ecuador saying: “The cooperation between our peoples and governments, and international cooperation in general, are indispensable to confront the problems the world is experiencing.” Its quite interesting that for Ecuador during the Febres Cordero presidency and the neocolonial era the Latin American countries welcomed interference in Latin America specifically of their ideas and their investments.

Leon Febres Cordero was a tough guy leader. After his presidency ended in 1988 he became the mayor of his home town, Guayaquil. He was admiringly called the last of the Cuadillos. Its clear that the themes of economic troubles continued and were highly prevalent throughout his presidency. Leon received much criticism as he fought to allow the already wealthy to make even more money.

Sources:

Romero, Simon. “León Febres Cordero, Former Leader of Ecuador, Is Dead at 77.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 16 Dec. 2008, www.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/world/americas/17cordero.html.

Alonzo, Claire. “Remarks at the Welcoming Ceremony for President Leon Febres-Cordero Ribadeneyra of Ecuador.” Ronald Regan Presidential Library, Ronald Regan Presidential Library, 19 May 2013, www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/remarks-welcoming-ceremony-president-leon-febres-cordero-ribadeneyra-ecuador.