Hernando Siles

Career

In politics, Siles gravitated toward the Republican Party and was elected to represent Oruro in the National Convention of 1920, later serving as senator for Chuquisaca. He served under Bautista Saavedra as minister of instruction in 1922 and minister of war from 1922 to 1923. Following the annulment of the May 1925 presidential election, Siles was chosen as the Republican nominee for the December do-over and was elected president without significant opposition.

During his presidency, a decree was issued in September 1929 that laid down certain rules for safeguarding young people and women in industrial employment. Siles also distanced himself from Saavedra and broke ties with the Republicans, founding his own Nationalist Party with the support of young intellectuals. His administration continued to borrow heavily for public works while also modernizing the financial system. Following the stock market crash of 1929, the economy under Siles was beset by the effects of the Great Depression. In foreign policy, he prioritized peaceful relations with Paraguay, which delayed an armed conflict over the disputed Gran Chaco. Near the end of his presidency, Siles sought to unilaterally extend his term in office; he orchestrated a self-coup in 1930 but was thwarted by the military, which overthrew his government.

Exiled abroad, Siles largely retired from politics. He held diplomatic roles as ambassador to Mexico and Peru. He died in Lima in 1942. The nascent nationalist movement he fostered inspired the formation of significant ideological movements down the line. His elder son, Hernán, also served as president, from 1956 to 1960 and 1982 to 1989, as did his younger son, Luis Adolfo, who held office in 1969. The Hernando Siles Stadium is named after him.