Arístides Royo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Arístides Royo
Royo in 2012
23rd President of Panama
In office October 11, 1978 – July 31, 1982
Vice President	Ricardo de la Espriella (1978–1982)
Preceded by	Demetrio B. Lakas
Succeeded by	Ricardo de la Espriella
Minister for Canal Affairs
Incumbent
Assumed office July 1, 2019
Personal details
Born	Arístides Royo Sánchez (1940-08-14) August 14, 1940 (age 84) La Chorrera, Panama
Political party	Democratic Revolutionary Party
Spouse	Adela Ruiz de Royo (early 1960s–2019; her death)
Alma mater	University of Salamanca
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Arístides Royo Sánchez (born August 14, 1940) is a Panamanian politician. He served as the 23rd President of Panama. His time as president was from October 11, 1978, to July 31, 1982. He also held the important role of Minister of Canal Affairs until 2024.

About Arístides Royo

Early Life and Education

Arístides Royo was born in La Chorrera, Panama. He chose to study law at the University of Salamanca in Spain. After finishing his studies, he returned to Panama in 1965. While in Salamanca, he met Adela María Ruiz González. She became his wife in the early 1960s. They had three children together: Marta Elena, Irma Natalia, and Aristides José.

Political Career and Key Roles

Royo played several important roles in Panama's government. From 1973 to 1974, he was the Minister of Education. During this time, Panama was under military rule. He also helped with very important talks in 1977. These talks led to the Torrijos–Carter Treaties. These treaties were about the Panama Canal.

Becoming President of Panama

Arístides Royo became the President of Panama in 1978. He was the 23rd person to hold this high office. He served as president until July 31, 1982. At that time, he announced he had a throat problem. He said it needed complete rest, so he resigned. He was replaced by Ricardo de la Espriella.

After the Presidency

After his time as president, Royo continued to serve his country. He was appointed as Panama's Ambassador to Spain from 1994 to 1996. Later, he served as Ambassador to France from 1998 to 1999.

He also worked as the Minister of Affairs related to the Panama Canal. This role was from 2019 until 2024. Besides his government work, he is a senior partner at a law firm called Morgan & Morgan.

Family Life

Royo's wife, Adela Ruiz de Royo, passed away on June 19, 2019. She was also known as the former First Lady of Panama. In December 2019, their daughter, Natalia Royo de Hagerman, became Panama's ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Panama Canal Treaties

The Panama Canal is a very important waterway. It connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter of the United States and General Omar Torrijos of Panama worked together. They negotiated new treaties for the canal. These treaties gave Panama more control over the canal over time.

References

See also

In Spanish: Arístides Royo para niños