José de la Riva Agüero y Sánchez-Boquete was the first president of Peru, serving in 1823. Born on February 3, 1783, in Lima, he came from an aristocratic family and studied at the University of San Marcos. Riva Agüero was a key figure in Peru's struggle for independence, playing an important political and military role during the early years of the Peruvian Republic.
Before becoming president, Riva Agüero was actively involved in the independence movement, writing pamphlets and participating in secret meetings against Spanish rule. He was also a member of the Peruvian Congress and supported José de San Martín in the fight for independence. In 1823, after San Martín withdrew from the political scene, Riva Agüero was elected president by the Peruvian Congress.
His presidency was marked by significant challenges. The country was still engaged in wars against the Spanish royalists, who were attempting to regain control of Peru, particularly in the mountainous regions. Riva Agüero sought to organize the country's defense and strengthen the Peruvian army. However, his relations with Congress quickly deteriorated due to disagreements over how to conduct the war and manage internal politics. In July 1823, Congress removed him from office, after which he sought refuge with the army in northern Peru.
Riva Agüero attempted to maintain his influence by declaring the city of Trujillo as an alternative capital and continuing to resist royalist forces. However, he was arrested on the orders of Simón Bolívar, who had arrived in Peru to continue the fight for independence. Bolívar, seeking to consolidate republican power, saw Riva Agüero as a threat to national unity. Riva Agüero was exiled to Europe in 1823, where he spent much of his life, particularly in France.
After his exile, Riva Agüero made several attempts to re-enter politics, but he never regained a central role. He continued to write and contribute to political debates in Peru. He died on May 21, 1858, in Lima.
José de la Riva Agüero remains a complex figure in Peruvian history. Considered by some as a hero of independence, he was also criticized for his authoritarian tendencies and his inability to maintain political unity during a critical moment in the formation of the Peruvian Republic.