Luis Alberto Lacalle

A lawyer and journalist, Luis Alberto Lacalle Herrera was President of the Republic of Uruguay from 1990 to 1995, and is still very active in Uruguayan politics.

Luis Alberto Lacalle is a Uruguayan politician and lawyer who stood out for his leadership in the National Party (Blanco). Son of Carlos Lacalle and Hortensia de Herrera, he comes from a family with a rich political tradition. After completing his law degree, Lacalle began his political activity in 1971, being elected deputy. However, his career was interrupted by the 1973 coup d'état, and he was briefly detained.

In 1984, with the restoration of democracy, he was elected senator and, three years later, was appointed vice-president of the Senate. In 1989, he was elected president of Uruguay, a position he held from 1990 to 1995. During his presidency, he implemented neoliberal policies, such as the privatization law of public companies and the creation of MERCOSUR together with the presidents of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

Despite the economic and political challenges, his mandate marked a period of modernization in the country. After his presidency, Lacalle continued to be active in politics, serving as a senator again between 2010 and 2015. In 2020, his son, Luis Lacalle Pou, assumed the presidency of Uruguay. Lacalle is recognized for his political influence, his efforts to promote free trade and his legacy within Uruguayan politics.