Vinicio Cerezo

Cerezo won the 1985 presidential election as the candidate of the Christian Democratic Party, becoming the first civilian president in over two decades. His victory marked the return to democratic rule.

Cerezo survived a coup attempt led by military officers opposed to his reforms and human rights investigations. The rebellion was suppressed, but it highlighted the fragility of civilian control.

Cerezo implemented austerity measures to address inflation and debt, including currency devaluation and subsidy cuts. These policies sparked widespread protests and labor strikes, weakening his popularity.