Rafael Franco

Rafael Franco
Portrait, 1936
32nd President of Paraguay
In office
February 20, 1936 – August 13, 1937
Preceded byEusebio Ayala
Succeeded byFélix Paiva
Personal details
Born(1896-10-22)October 22, 1896
DiedSeptember 16, 1973(1973-09-16) (aged 76)
PartyNational Revolutionary Party
SpouseDeidamia Solalinde
Military service
AllegianceParaguay
Branch/serviceParaguayan Army
RankColonel (1933)
Major General (2011)
Battles/warsChaco War
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Rafael de la Cruz Franco Ojeda (October 22, 1896 – September 16, 1973) was a Paraguayan military officer, politician and statesman who served as President of Paraguay after the February Revolution, from February 20, 1936, to August 13, 1937. He was the historical leader and founder of the National Revolutionary Party (Revolutionary Febrerista Party since 1951).

Under his presidency, he implemented Paraguay's first major land reform (the confiscation, and breaking up, of some large private land holdings) and introduced a number of pro-labor reforms.