Cesar Gaviria

César Gaviria became President of Colombia in 1990 after the assassination of candidate Luis Carlos Galán. His administration implemented sweeping economic reforms and continued the war against drug cartels.

Gaviria implemented a comprehensive economic opening, reducing tariffs, eliminating import licenses, and promoting foreign investment. The reforms integrated Colombia into global markets and boosted exports but also caused short-term economic dislocation.

Gaviria oversaw the drafting and adoption of a new constitution in 1991, replacing the 1886 constitution. The new charter expanded civil rights, created a Constitutional Court, and decentralized government, but also faced criticism for weakening state authority.

Gaviria negotiated the surrender of Pablo Escobar in 1991, who was imprisoned in a specially built facility, La Catedral. The deal was controversial as Escobar continued to run his criminal empire from prison and later escaped in 1992.

After his presidency, Gaviria became Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1994. He served until 2004, focusing on democratic governance and human rights in the Americas.