Arnulfo Arias

Arnulfo Arias Madrid (15 August 1901 – 10 August 1988) was a Panamanian politician, medical doctor, and writer who served as the President of Panama from 1940 to 1941, again from 1949 to 1951, and finally for 11 days in October 1968. Throughout his adult life, he warned about the increasing influence of the military in Panamanian politics and vowed to reduce its influence. In turn, he was denied his presidential electoral success in 1948 by the military. He was removed from his duly-elected presidency three times by military coups. Background Arnulfo Arias Madrid was born in Penonomé, Coclé Province, on 15 August 1901. He was the son of Antonio Arias and Carmen Madrid, and the brother of Harmodio Arias, who also served as the President of Panama for 13 days in January 1931 and again from 1932 to 1936.