Harmodio Arias Madrid

Harmodio Arias Madrid was a Panamanian politician. He served as acting President of Panama in January 1931 and again from 5 June 1932, to 1 October 1936, after winning the 1932 presidential election.

Family

His brother Arnulfo Arias was president on three occasions.
Harmodio's son, Roberto was a diplomat and politician who married the English ballerina Margot Fonteyn.

Presidency

Madrid originally assumed the presidency after the 1931 coup d'etat against sitting president Florencio Harmodio Arosemena. However, soon after, he was replaced by Ricardo J. Alfaro. He returned to office after winning the popular vote in 1932.
During his presidency, he founded the University of Panamá.