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Valentín Paniagua Corazao, born on September 23, 1936, in Cusco, is an important figure in Peruvian politics, best known for serving as interim president of Peru from November 2000 to July 2001, following the fall of Alberto Fujimori. Although his term was brief, Paniagua is widely praised for restoring democratic stability and organizing free elections in a country plagued by corruption and authoritarianism.
A lawyer by training, Paniagua studied law at the National University of San Antonio Abad in Cusco and later at the National University of San Marcos in Lima. He became a respected public figure in Peru, practicing law and teaching constitutional law. Paniagua was also politically active from a young age, joining the Popular Action party, founded by former president Fernando Belaúnde Terry. He held various government positions, including as a deputy and as Minister of Justice during the 1960s and 1980s.
In 2000, after years of authoritarian rule under Alberto Fujimori, Peru found itself in a major political crisis. Following the release of videos showing widespread corruption in the government, Fujimori fled to Japan and resigned from the presidency via fax. Valentín Paniagua, who was then president of Congress, was appointed to serve as interim president.
During his brief term, Paniagua gained the trust of many Peruvians and the international community by promising to restore democracy. He appointed a transitional government led by economist Javier Pérez de Cuéllar, a former United Nations Secretary-General, and took steps to organize free and fair elections in 2001. His presidency helped Peru navigate a period of political uncertainty and institutional instability.
Under Paniagua’s leadership, electoral reforms were implemented, and the fight against corruption was intensified. He also oversaw a peaceful transition of power to Alejandro Toledo, who won the 2001 presidential election.
Valentín Paniagua is widely recognized for his integrity and commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Unlike many leaders of his time, Paniagua remained largely untouched by the corruption scandals that plagued Peru. After leaving the presidency, he continued to play an influential role in Peruvian politics, though his attempts to run for president in 2006 were unsuccessful.
Valentín Paniagua passed away on October 16, 2006, in Lima. He is remembered as an exemplary figure in Peruvian history for his crucial role in restoring democracy after years of authoritarian rule.