Eric Arturo Delvalle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eric Arturo Delvalle
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| President of Panama | |
| In office 28 September 1985 – 26 February 1988 |
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| Vice President | Roderick Esquivel |
| Preceded by | Nicolás Ardito Barletta |
| Succeeded by | Manuel Solis Palma |
| First Vice President of Panama | |
| In office 11 October 1984 – 28 September 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Carlos Ozores |
| Succeeded by | Roderick Esquivel |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henríquez
2 February 1937 Panama City, Panama |
| Died | 2 October 2015 (aged 78) Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican Party |
| Spouse | Mariela Delvalle |
Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henríquez (born February 2, 1937 – died October 2, 2015) was an important Panamanian politician. He served as Vice President before becoming president. Delvalle was the President of Panama from September 28, 1985, to February 26, 1988. His time as president happened during a period when the military had a lot of power in Panama.
In 1988, he tried to remove Manuel Noriega, who was the head of the armed forces. However, Delvalle himself was removed from office by the Legislative Assembly. He then went into hiding and later lived in another country.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Eric Arturo Delvalle was born in Panama City, Panama. His family was very involved in politics. His brother, Raúl, was a member of the National Assembly.
His uncle, Max Delvalle, was also a famous politician. Max Delvalle was the first Jewish president in Latin America. Both Eric and Max were members of the Kol Shearit Israel Synagogue, which is a Jewish place of worship. Eric Delvalle belonged to the Republican Party, which his family helped to start.
Becoming President of Panama
Eric Delvalle became the Vice President to Nicolás Ardito Barletta in 1984. After President Barletta stepped down, Delvalle became the President of Panama. This was on September 28, 1985. He served until February 26, 1988.
During his presidency, Manuel Noriega held a lot of power in Panama. Noriega was the actual leader of the country, even though Delvalle was the official president. For most of his time in office, Delvalle was seen as an ally of Noriega.
Challenges and Exile
In 1988, Delvalle decided to try and remove Noriega from his powerful position. This was a very brave and risky move. However, Noriega's supporters in the Panamanian government did not agree.
On February 22, 1988, the Legislative Assembly voted to remove Delvalle from his job as president. They chose Manuel Solis Palma to take his place. After this, Delvalle had to go into hiding. The American government helped him stay safe.
Before he spoke out against Noriega, Delvalle made sure his family was safe. They went to the US embassy in Panama City. Delvalle did not tell his colleagues about his plan beforehand. This put them and their families in danger from Noriega. Eventually, Delvalle left Panama and went to live in the United States.
The US government continued to support Delvalle as the rightful president. They did not recognize the new leaders chosen by Noriega. Delvalle and the presidents who followed him under Noriega's influence were sometimes called "Kleenex presidents." This nickname meant they were easily replaced, like a tissue.
In 1994, President Guillermo Endara officially pardoned Delvalle. This meant he was cleared of any possible wrongdoing during Noriega's time.
Personal Life and Passing
Eric Delvalle was married to Mariela Delvalle. He passed away on October 2, 2015, at the age of 78. He died in Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States.
Panama held a State Funeral for him. The service took place at the Kol Shearith Israel Synagogue in Panama City.
See also
In Spanish: Eric Arturo Delvalle para niños
