Paraguay became independent in 1811 and has a
democratic government for about 9 years.
Alfredo Strossner, born in Encaranacion/South
Paraguay in 1912, ruled the country lastly, before it became a
democracy. He was commander-in-chief of the armed forces and grabbed
the power, finishing an era of political disorder of 40 presidents.
He radically suppressed all opposition and democratic movements.
Still during his presidency Paraguay experienced an economical
and cultural growth.
On 3 February 1989, General Andres Rodriguez took
over the governmental power and in May of the same year was elected
by 70% of the population as the first democratic president of
Paraguay. Gonzalez Macchi was the third president.
