Alfredo Stroessner

Date of Birth: November 3, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: August 16, 2006

Biography

Alfredo Stroessner Matiauda was a Paraguayan military officer who served as the President of Paraguay from 1954 to 1989. He was born in Encarnación, Paraguay, and was of German descent. Stroessner joined the Paraguayan army in 1929 and rapidly rose through the ranks, becoming a general by 1951. He seized power in a coup d’état in 1954, overthrowing Federico Chávez. Stroessner’s regime was marked by its authoritarianism, with widespread human rights abuses, censorship, and a lack of political freedoms. Despite this, he managed to maintain a degree of economic stability and infrastructural development in the country. His government was closely aligned with the United States during the Cold War, benefiting from American economic and military aid. Stroessner’s rule came to an end in 1989 when he was overthrown by a military coup led by General Andrés Rodríguez. Following his ousting, Stroessner fled to Brazil, where he lived in exile until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Alfredo Stroessner

1. Alfredo Stroessner was the longest-serving non-royal head of state in the 20th century, ruling Paraguay for 35 years.

2. He was a staunch anti-communist, which helped him secure support from the United States during the Cold War.

3. Stroessner implemented significant infrastructural projects, including the construction of the Itaipu Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric dams.

4. He maintained a personality cult, with many public spaces and institutions named after him during his rule.

5. After his ousting, Stroessner lived in exile in Brazil until his death in 2006.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alfredo Stroessner

1. “I am a soldier and my duty is to defend the nation.”

2. “The Paraguayan people know that I have always sought their well-being.”

3. “Order and progress are the cornerstones of our nation.”

4. “My government has always been open to constructive criticism.”

5. “Paraguay is a land of peace, and I have strived to keep it that way.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his power, Alfredo Stroessner’s estimated net worth was around $500 million, amassed through various means including corruption and embezzlement.

Children

Alfredo Stroessner had three children: Gustavo Stroessner Mora, Alfredo Stroessner Mora, and Graciela Stroessner Mora. His children lived relatively private lives, especially after their father’s ousting.