Alan García Pérez, born on May 23, 1949, in Lima, is one of the most significant and controversial political figures in Peru's history. He served two terms as president of Peru: from 1985 to 1990, and again from 2006 to 2011. A leader of the Peruvian Aprista Party (APRA), García is known for his eloquence and charisma, as well as the dramatic ups and downs of his presidential terms, which were marked by economic crises, accusations of corruption, and economic reforms.
García entered politics at a young age. He studied law in Peru, Spain, and France, where he also received training in sociology and political science. Upon returning to Peru, he joined APRA, a party founded by Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre that advocated a mix of nationalism and social reform.
In 1985, at the age of 36, García was elected president, becoming the youngest president in Peruvian history. His first term was characterized by populist economic policies, including massive public spending, price controls, and nationalizations. However, these policies led to runaway hyperinflation, capital flight, and a severe economic crisis. By the end of his term, inflation had reached 7,000% annually, plunging much of the population into poverty.
At the same time, García's first term also saw an increase in violence from the Maoist insurgent group Shining Path and other revolutionary groups, leading to heightened political and social instability. By the end of his term in 1990, García was highly unpopular, and he temporarily withdrew from political life as the country elected Alberto Fujimori as his successor.
García made a dramatic comeback in 2006, winning the presidential election against Ollanta Humala. His second term (2006-2011) was very different from his first. This time, García took a more pragmatic approach, favoring economic liberalism, encouraging foreign investment, and pursuing market-friendly policies. Under his government, Peru's economy experienced significant growth, with increased exports, ambitious infrastructure projects, and a substantial reduction in poverty.
However, despite the economic successes, García could not escape accusations of corruption that tainted his second term. Scandals involving public contracts and bribery damaged his image, though García consistently denied any wrongdoing.
After his second term, García focused on international politics, remaining an influential figure in APRA and expressing ambitions for a third presidential run. However, his image was severely damaged by the investigation into the Odebrecht corruption scandal, a wide-ranging case involving bribes paid by the Brazilian company to Peruvian officials to secure contracts.
In April 2019, as police arrived to arrest him in connection with the Odebrecht investigation, Alan García took his own life at his home in Lima. His death shocked the country and sparked debates about his complex legacy. On one hand, he is recognized for his contributions to Peru’s modernization and economic growth during his second term. On the other, his first term is often cited as one of the worst economic failures in the country’s history, and his alleged involvement in corruption tarnished his legacy.