Alfredo Palacio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alfredo Palacio
OSP
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Palacio in 2015
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| 44th President of Ecuador | |
| In office 20 April 2005 – 15 January 2007 |
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| Vice President | Alejandro Serrano |
| Preceded by | Lucio Gutiérrez |
| Succeeded by | Rafael Correa |
| 44th Vice President of Ecuador | |
| In office 15 January 2003 – 20 April 2005 |
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| President | Lucio Gutiérrez |
| Preceded by | Pedro Pinto Rubianes |
| Succeeded by | Alejandro Serrano |
| Minister of Health | |
| In office 11 November 1994 – 10 August 1996 |
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| President | Sixto Durán Ballén |
| Preceded by | Patricio Abad |
| Succeeded by | Marcelo Cruz |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Luis Alfredo Palacio González
22 January 1939 Guayaquil, Ecuador |
| Died | 22 May 2025 (aged 86) Guayaquil, Ecuador |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | María Beatriz Paret |
| Parent |
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| Alma mater | Case Western Reserve University |
| Medical career | |
| Profession | Physician |
| Field | Cardiology |
| Institutions | University of Guayaquil |
| Awards | Order of the Sun of Peru (Grand Cross) |
Luis Alfredo Palacio González (born January 22, 1939 – died May 22, 2025) was a doctor and politician from Ecuador. He served as the 44th President of Ecuador from 2005 to 2007. Before that, he was the Vice President under President Lucio Gutiérrez. He became president when the Ecuadorian Congress decided to remove Gutiérrez from office after a week of public protests.
Early Life and Education
Alfredo Palacio was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He chose to become a doctor, specializing in cardiology, which is the study of the heart. He studied in his hometown and then traveled to the United States.
In the U.S., he completed his medical training at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He also did a special two-year program in cardiology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. After his studies, he taught about heart health and public health at the University of Guayaquil's medical school. He worked in the United States from 1969 to 1972.
Alfredo Palacio's father was a famous sculptor named Alfredo Palacio Moreno. His grandfather was Pablo Palacio, a well-known writer from Ecuador. His mother's name was Ana María González.
Political Journey
Palacio started his political career as the Minister of Health for Ecuador from 1994 to 1996, during the time Sixto Durán Ballén was president.
In 2002, he was chosen to be the running mate for Lucio Gutiérrez in the presidential election. This meant he would become Vice President if Gutiérrez won. They won the election, and Palacio became the 44th Vice President of Ecuador.
Becoming President
Alfredo Palacio became president on April 20, 2005. This happened when President Lucio Gutiérrez was removed from office by the Ecuadorian Congress after a period of public dissatisfaction.
As president, one of Palacio's first ideas was to create a Constitutional Assembly. This group would work to change and improve Ecuador's Constitution. Before he became president, he had often said that Ecuador needed "intensive care" because the country was facing many problems.
His time as president ended on January 15, 2007, when Rafael Correa was elected and took over the presidency. When Palacio first became president, about 53% of people approved of him. By the time he left office, his approval rating was around 29%.
After his time as president, Alfredo Palacio returned to his hometown of Guayaquil. He decided not to be involved in politics anymore and went back to working as a cardiologist, helping people with their hearts.
Personal Life
Alfredo Palacio was married to María Beatriz Paret. They had four children together.
He passed away on May 22, 2025, in Guayaquil, at the age of 86. The government of Ecuador declared two days of national mourning to honor him.
See also
In Spanish: Alfredo Palacio para niños
- List of Case Western people
- Cesar Palacio, his cousin and a Toronto City Councillor
- Emilio Palacio, his brother and a persecuted journalist
