Guillermo Rodríguez (politician)

Guillermo Antonio Rodríguez Lara is an Ecuadorian former political and military leader who was the dictator of Ecuador from 1972 to 1976. He came to power after leading the 1972 military coup against President José María Velasco Ibarra. He characterised his government as "revolutionary and nationalistic."

Biography

Rodríguez was born in Pujilí, Cotopaxi on 4 November 1923. He took courses in C&R&Bn Staff, Irregular Warfare Orientation, and Maintenance Management at the School of the Americas located in Panama.
As commander of the army, he led a military coup d'etat executed by a navy commander named Jorge Queirolo, and forced president José María Velasco into exile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. During his rule, Ecuador experienced substantial economic growth due to an increase in oil prices. The oil wealth enabled his administration to embark on public works programs, funding the construction of hospitals, schools, roads, the oil refinery at Esmeraldas, and new equipment for the armed services. Some military officers attempted an unsuccessful coup against him in 1975. The Ecuadorian military removed him from power in January 1976.
Rodríguez turned 100 on 4 November 2023. At years old, he is now the List of [oldest living state leaders|oldest living former state leader] in the world.