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
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

1. "Presidencia de El Salvador". Archived from the original on 2007-10-06. Retrieved 2007-10-06.
2. https://www.geni.com/people/Alfonso-Qui%C3%B1%C3%B3nez-Molina-presidente-de-El-Salvador/6000000043286036049
3. https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/quinones-molina-alfonso-1873-1950
4. https://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/q/quinones_molina.htm