Rafael Vives


Rafael Vives Vives was a Chilean merchant and Liberal Party politician. He served as a deputy for the 7th Departamental Grouping of Santiago for three consecutive terms between 1945 and 1957.

Biography

He was born in Santiago on 23 February 1892, the son of Juan Agustín Vives Solar and Adela Vives Bravo. He completed his primary education at the Seminario de Santiago.
He was the uncle of Christian Democrat politician and former Santiago councillor Rafael Agustín Gumucio.
He worked as a merchant for "Besa y Compañía" from 1908 to 1917, later dedicating himself to the importation of automobile accessories. He was partner in "Chilena de Autos Ltda." and "Chilean Autos Ltda.", importers of Chrysler and Plymouth vehicles.
He married Gabriela Honkart Flores on 3 December 1916, with whom he had two children.

Political career

A member of the Liberal Party, he ran in the 1924 Chilean municipal elections, being elected as councilman of the Municipality of Santiago for the 1924–1927 period. He served as second mayor of the municipality and belonged to the Santiago Neighborhood Board for six years.
He also served as councilman and acting mayor of the Municipality of Providencia between 1941 and 1945.
In the 1945 Chilean parliamentary election, he was elected deputy for the 7th Departamental Grouping of Santiago. He served on the Foreign Affairs Commission and, as substitute, on Government and Interior; Public Works and Roads; and National Defense.
Re-elected in the 1949 Chilean parliamentary election, he again served on the Foreign Affairs Commission and, as substitute, on Government and Interior; Finance; Public Works; Social Welfare and Hygiene; and Economy and Trade.
Re-elected for a third term in the 1953 Chilean parliamentary election, he continued to serve on the Foreign Affairs Commission.

Later life

He was honorary president of the Manuel Montt Taxi Association; president of the Caterers' Society; a member of the Fire Department of Ñuñoa; and a member of the Club de La Unión and the Golf Club.
He died in Viña del Mar on 17 August 1957.