Celso Torrelio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Celso Torrelio
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| 58th President of Bolivia | |
| In office 4 September 1981 – 19 July 1982 Junta: 4 August 1981 – 4 September 1981 |
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| Vice President | Vacant |
| Preceded by | Luis García Meza |
| Succeeded by | Guido Vildoso |
| Minister of Interior, Migration, and Justice | |
| In office 26 February 1981 – 30 June 1981 |
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| President | Luis García Meza |
| Preceded by | Luis Arce Gómez |
| Succeeded by | Jorge Salazar Crespo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Celso Torrelio Villa
3 June 1933 Padilla, Chuquisaca, Bolivia |
| Died | 23 April 1999 (aged 65) La Paz, Bolivia |
| Spouse | Teresa Pacheco |
| Parents | Abel Torrelio Estefania Villa |
| Education | Military College of the Army |
| Signature | .svg) |
Celso Torrelio Villa (born June 3, 1933 – died April 23, 1999) was a military general in Bolivia. He was part of a group of military leaders called the Junta of Commanders of the Armed Forces in 1981. He later served as the 58th president of Bolivia from 1981 to 1982. He was a de facto president, meaning he held power without being formally elected by the people.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Celso Torrelio Villa was born in Padilla, a town in the Chuquisaca region of Bolivia. He joined the Bolivian Army when he was younger. He worked hard and moved up through the ranks, eventually becoming a general.
Becoming President of Bolivia
Before becoming president, General Torrelio served as the Minister of Interior. This was under the government of Luis García Meza. García Meza's time as leader was very difficult for Bolivia. His government faced strong criticism from other countries. Many people were affected by the actions of the Bolivian army and security forces during this time.
Because of this, the government became very isolated from the rest of the world. Even the United States, under President Ronald Reagan, kept its distance. Eventually, the international pressure became too strong. Luis García Meza had to resign on August 3, 1981. After his resignation, the top military leaders in Bolivia chose General Celso Torrelio to become the new president.
Challenges During His Presidency
The military leaders hoped that General Torrelio would be a more accepted leader. They wanted someone less controversial than García Meza. However, their plan did not work out as they hoped. Torrelio's government continued to be ignored by other countries. People within Bolivia also did not support it.
Bolivia was also facing a very serious economic crisis. This was due to many years of poor management. There was also a worldwide economic slowdown. This period was known as the Latin American debt crisis. The country was in a very difficult situation.
Return to Democracy
General Torrelio and the military leaders had a big decision to make. They could try to use force to control the country, which would make Bolivia even more isolated. Or, they could decide to hold elections and let the people choose their leader. They chose the second option.
In July 1982, General Torrelio stepped down from power. He was replaced by General Guido Vildoso. General Vildoso was given the important job of bringing democracy back to Bolivia. After this, Celso Torrelio retired from public life. He did not take part in Bolivian politics again.
See also
In Spanish: Celso Torrelio for kids
- Cabinet of Celso Torrelio
Sources
- Prado Salmón, Gral. Gary. "Poder y Fuerzas Armadas, 1949-1982."
