Gustavo Rojas Pinilla

General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla led a military coup on June 13, 1953, overthrowing President Laureano G

Rojas Pinilla inaugurated Colombia's first national television service on June 13, 1954. The state-run network began broadcasting from Bogot

Facing growing opposition, Rojas Pinilla attempted to extend his rule through a manipulated constituent assembly. This prompted a bipartisan pact between Liberals and Conservatives, leading to his overthrow and the establishment of the National Front power-sharing agreement.

A military junta overthrew Rojas Pinilla on May 10, 1957, after a general strike and widespread protests. He went into exile in Spain, ending his four-year dictatorship. The junta handed power to civilian leaders under the National Front.

Rojas Pinilla ran for president as the candidate of the National Popular Alliance (ANAPO). He narrowly lost to Misael Pastrana in an election widely alleged to have been fraudulent, leading to the formation of the M-19 guerrilla group.