Ayora Cueva, Isidro (1879–1978)

views updated

Ayora Cueva, Isidro (1879–1978)

Isidro Ayora Cueva (b. 31 August 1879; d. 22 March 1978), president of Ecuador (nonelected 1926–1929 and elected 1929–1931). Born in Loja, Ayora studied medicine in Quito, did postgraduate work in Berlin, and completed an internship in Dresden. After returning to Ecuador in 1909, he developed a private practice and taught obstetrics at Central University, where he accepted the post of director of maternity (1917). Elected deputy of Loja in 1916 and president of the cantonal council for 1924–1925, Ayora was appointed rector of Central University and director of the Civil Hospital of Quito in 1925. On 10 January 1926 he became a member of the provisional governing junta and minister of social welfare, labor, and agriculture. On 1 April 1926 he accepted the position of provisional president.

Ayora concluded an agreement with Princeton economist Edwin W. Kemmerer to head an advisory mission whose purpose was to propose solutions to the nation's financial problems. In October 1926 the mission drafted laws to modernize and strengthen Ecuadorian financial institutions and procedures to eliminate budget deficits. Ayora, with the backing of the military, was able to enact most of the sweeping reforms proposed by the Kemmerer Mission.

Ayora was elected to the presidency in 1929 but suffered increasing public criticism for his policies, many of them based on the recommendations of the Kemmerer Mission. Public dissatisfaction mounted as internal conditions deteriorated in response to disruptions in the world economy. Critics blamed the Ayora government for exacerbating the nation's problems. When popular discontent erupted in mass demonstrations in Quito, Ayora resigned on 24 August 1931. He returned to his medical practice and remained active in professional organizations and administrative positions.

See alsoEcuador: Since 1830 .

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Linda Alexander Rodríguez, The Search for Public Policy: Regional Politics and Government Finances in Ecuador, 1830–1940 (1985), esp. pp. 131-133, 137-164.