Alfonso Quiñónez Molina (January 11, 1874 – May 22, 1950) was the President of El Salvador from 21 December 1918 to 28 February 1919 and from 1 March 1923 to 28 February 1927.[1]
Alfonso was born into the family of Lucio Quiñónez and Aurelia Molina.
He was married to Leonor Meléndez Ramírez, a sister of Presidents Carlos and Jorge Meléndez.[2]
Political career
The Meléndez-Quiñónez dynasty effectively ruled the country from 1914 to 1927. Quiñónez was one of the founders of the National Democratic Party. His policies largely served the interests of the coffee oligarchy of the country.[citation needed]
In 1918, Quiñónez established the Lega Rojas, or the Red league, which intended to work as a mediator between the oligarchy and the peasants. It was deemed as the first attempt to form an official party in the country.[3] However, the far-reaching oligarchic control of the prevented the organization from achieving its goal. Later it supported the candidacy of President Jorge Meléndez.[citation needed]
After becoming president in 1923, Quiñónez ruled El Salvador like a ruthless dictator, harassing and suppressing any form of opposition.[citation needed]
It was common among Salvadoran presidents to declare an heir during the final days of their terms, as the constitution barred immediate re-election.[citation needed]
Quiñónez handed the presidency to Vice President Pío Romero Bosque. He thought that as Romero did not spring from a rich family, he would be a puppet of Quiñónez. However, Quiñónez's plan backfired, and he, along with other members of the dynasty organized a coup against the new president. However, the coup, which took place in December 1927, ultimately failed.[4]
Quiñónez's decision to borrow money from other countries to pave the roads of San Salvador sparked a controversy in the country thatwas exploited by subsequent rulers like Maximiliano Hernández Martínez.[3]
