Antonio Arenas Merino, born on July 13, 1808, in Lima, was a prominent Peruvian political and legal figure who briefly served as president of Peru in 1885. His career is primarily noted for his role as a statesman and president of the Council of Ministers, as well as his contributions to the legal field.
Arenas was a trained lawyer who played a key role in Peruvian political life during the 19th century. He held several important positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and president of the Council of Ministers. In 1885, during a period of political and social crisis, he was appointed provisional president of Peru following the resignation of Miguel Iglesias, in the midst of instability after the War of the Pacific.
Antonio Arenas’ presidency was brief, but his main objective was to organize elections in order to restore constitutional order and stabilize the country after the tumultuous post-war years. He called for elections in 1886, which led to the election of Andrés Avelino Cáceres, bringing an end to his short tenure as head of state.
In addition to his political role, Antonio Arenas is remembered for his contributions to Peru’s legal system. He was a member of the Peruvian Supreme Court and also held academic positions, teaching law and shaping generations of Peruvian jurists.
Antonio Arenas passed away on December 27, 1891, in Lima. He is best remembered for his transitional role in Peruvian history, as he sought to restore stability during a difficult period. Although his time as president was short, his commitment to law and democracy left a lasting impact on the country's political history.