Juan Alberto Melgar Castro

Juan Alberto Melgar Castro (20 June 1930 – 2 December 1987) was an army officer in the Honduran military who served as the head of state of Honduras from 22 April 1975 to 7 August 1978, when he was removed from power by others in the military.[1]

Juan Alberto Melgar
President of Honduras
In office
22 April 1975 – 7 August 1978
Preceded byOswaldo López Arellano
Succeeded byPolicarpo Paz García
Personal details
Born
Juan Alberto Melgar Castro

(1930-06-20)20 June 1930
Marcala, Honduras
Died2 December 1987(1987-12-02) (aged 57)
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Political partyMilitary
SpouseNora Gúnera de Melgar
ProfessionMilitary, Politician

Presidency

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General Melgar Castro took power in the 1975 Honduran coup d'état which removed Oswaldo López Arellano after his bribery scandal with United Fruit Company.

During his rule, the process of land reform was slowed down, because of pressure from land-owning sectors and influential politicians.

Biography

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His wife Nora Gúnera de Melgar was Mayor of Tegucigalpa. She was the nominee of the National Party (Partido Nacional) for President of Honduras in 1997, but lost to the Liberal Party nominee, Carlos Roberto Flores.

General Melgar Castro died of a heart attack near San Pedro Sula on 2 December 1987 .[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Juan Alberto Melgar Castro, General, 52". New York Times. AP. 4 December 1987. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
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Political offices
Preceded by
Oswaldo López
Head of State
President of Honduras
1975–1978
Succeeded by
Policarpo Paz
Provisional