Rafael Caldera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rafael Caldera
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President of Venezuela | |
In office 2 February 1994 – 2 February 1999 |
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Preceded by | Ramón José Velásquez |
Succeeded by | Hugo Chávez |
In office 11 March 1969 – 12 March 1974 |
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Preceded by | Raúl Leoni |
Succeeded by | Carlos Andrés Pérez |
Senator for Life | |
In office 12 March 1974 – 2 February 1994 |
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In office 2 February 1999 – 20 December 1999 |
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President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Congress of Venezuela | |
In office 1959–1962 |
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Solicitor General of Venezuela | |
In office 26 October 1945 – 13 April 1946 |
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Personal details | |
Born |
Rafael Antonio Caldrea Rodríguez
24 January 1916 San Felipe, Yaracuy, Venezuela |
Died | 24 December 2009 Caracas, Venezuela |
(aged 93)
Political party | COPEI (1946–1993) National Convergence (1993–2009) |
Spouse(s) | Alicia Pietri Montemayor |
Alma mater | Central University of Venezuela |
Occupation | Lawyer |
Signature | ![]() |
Rafael Antonio Caldera Rodríguez (Spanish pronunciation: [rafaˈel anˈtonjo kalˈdeɾa roˈðɾiɣes]; 24 January 1916 – 24 December 2009), twice elected President of Venezuela, served for two five-year terms (1969-1974 and 1994-1999), becoming the longest serving democratically elected leader to govern the country in the twentieth century.
Widely acknowledged as one of the founders of Venezuela’s democratic system, the main architect of the 1961 Constitution, and a pioneer of the Christian Democratic movement in Latin America, Caldera helped forge an unprecedented period of civilian democratic rule in a country beleaguered by a history of political violence and military caudillos.
His leadership established Venezuela’s reputation as one of the more stable democracies in Latin America during the second half of the twentieth century.
After graduating with a degree in law and political science from Central University of Venezuela in 1939, Caldera embarked on a 70-year long career that combined political, intellectual and academic activities.
- (in Spanish) Rafael Caldera — Official biography.
- (in Spanish) Rafael Caldera — Biography from National Convergence webpage.
- (in Spanish) Speeches and Biography
- (in Spanish) Extended bio by CIDOB Foundation
Images for kids
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Rafael Caldera during the 1947 Presidential campaign. Arriving at San Cristóbal, Táchira.
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Meeting with President Nixon at the White House, during his official visit to the United States. 2 June 1970.
