Felipe Molas López facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Felipe Molas López
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Molas Lopez in 1949
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| 39th President of Paraguay | |
| In office February 27, 1949 – September 10, 1949 |
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| Preceded by | Raimundo Rolón |
| Succeeded by | Federico Chávez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 10, 1901 Paraguay |
| Died | November 17, 1954 (aged 53) Asunción, Paraguay |
| Political party | Colorado Party |
| Spouse | Eligia Mora |
Felipe Benigno Molas López (born July 10, 1901 – died November 17, 1954) was the 39th President of Paraguay. He served as president for a short time, from February 27, 1949, until he resigned on September 10, 1949.
Contents
About Felipe Molas López
Early Life and Education
Felipe Molas López was born in 1901 in Yuty, a town in the Caazapá Department of Paraguay. After finishing high school, he decided to study Dentistry. He traveled all the way to Paris, France, to attend dental school.
He then went to Bordeaux, another city in France, to specialize in dental implants. This was a very new and advanced medical field in the early 1900s. Felipe Molas López became one of the first Paraguayans to earn a degree in this specialized area.
Serving in the Chaco War
During the war with Bolivia, known as the Chaco War, Felipe Molas López served his country. He worked as a health captain, helping those who were injured or sick.
After the war, he played an important part in setting up the Faculty of Dentistry at the National University. This new dental school was located in the former home of an earlier president, José Patricio Guggiari. He had a successful career as a dentist, but he was also very interested in politics.
Joining the Colorado Party
Felipe Molas López became a member of the Colorado Party when he was in his early twenties. At that time, the Colorado Party was not in power.
In 1927, the party faced a big decision. The government, led by President Eligio Ayala of the Liberal Party, asked the Colorado Party to help create a new election law. The goal was to make sure both parties could take part in the upcoming elections for Congress.
This offer caused the Colorado Party to split into two groups. One group, called the "eleccionistas," wanted to accept the offer and participate in the elections. The other group, called the "abstencionistas," wanted to strongly oppose the government. Molas López joined the "abstencionistas" and became a close helper to their leader, former president Pedro P. Peña.
Public Service and Becoming President
On February 21, 1936, Felipe Molas López became the Mayor of Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, for a short time. His skills in science and public service made him a key figure in the country's politics.
In 1948, he served as a minister in the Ministry of Education. He worked under President Juan Manuel Frutos and then under President Juan Natalicio González. When General Raimundo Rolón became president, Molas López continued as a minister until January 30, 1949.
At this time, Paraguay had a one-party government. On February 15, 1949, the Colorado Party decided that Felipe Molas López would be their candidate for president. This decision was made through an agreement between different groups within the party. The party fully supported his candidacy for the elections held on April 17.
Presidency of Paraguay
Felipe Molas López became the temporary president on February 27, 1949. After the general election, he officially took office on May 14. However, his time as president was very short. He was removed from office just six months later, on September 11.
A few days after he was removed, the Colorado Party explained why. They said he had not achieved the goals they set for him. These goals included uniting the party and bringing back good government practices. The president faced many political challenges and military problems. He was also under constant pressure from his party's leaders. As writer Raul Amaral noted, the party's governing board had a lot of control over the country and its leaders.
Later Life and Legacy
Dr. Molas López passed away in Asunción on November 17, 1954, when he was 53 years old.
To honor him, a street in Asunción was named after him on June 19, 1956. This avenue connects Aviadores Del Chaco Avenue in the southeast with Jose Gervasio Artigas Avenue in the northwest.
His Administration
During his time as president, Felipe Molas López had a group of ministers who helped him govern. This group is called a cabinet.
Some of the important decisions made during his government included:
- Granting amnesty (a pardon) for people who had been exiled (forced to leave the country) after the 1947 revolution.
- Starting diplomatic relations again with Uruguay.
- Naming the First Cavalry Division of the army after General Bernardino Caballero.
- Moving the remains of General Caballero to the National Pantheon of Heroes, a special place where important national figures are buried.
Even with these actions, the Colorado Party did not fully unite. New problems quickly appeared, keeping the party in crisis and affecting Paraguayan politics. The Colorado Party had returned to power in January 1947, after a failed attempt to form a government with multiple parties. They had the support of the president at the time, General Higinio Morínigo.
See also
In Spanish: Felipe Molas López para niños
