Demetrio B. Lakas | |
|---|---|
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| 27thPresident of Panama | |
| In office December 19, 19691 – October 11, 1978 | |
| Vice President | Arturo Sucre (1972–1975) Gerardo González Vernaza |
| Preceded by | José María Pinilla2 |
| Succeeded by | Arístides Royo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Demetrio Basilio Lakas Bahas (1925-08-29)August 29, 1925 |
| Died | November 2, 1999(1999-11-02) (aged 74) Panama City, Panama |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Fannia Roger de Lakas (m. 1959)[citation needed] |
| Children | 1 daughter, 2 sons |
| Occupation | Engineer |
| 1Lakas began his term in office as the Chairmen of the Provisional Junta of Government. 2Fábrega was the military Chairmen of the Provisional Junta of Government. | |
Demetrio Basilio Lakas Bahas (August 29, 1925 – November 2, 1999) was the 27thPresident of Panama from December 19, 1969 to October 11, 1978.
The son ofGreek immigrants, Lakas was born in Colón. Following his education in local schools, he graduated fromTexas Tech University in 1953 and was honored as a distinguished alumnus in 1970.[1]
Lakas was nicknamed "Jimmy the Greek" due to his origin.[2]
Lakas was popular among his fellow businessmen. After GeneralOmar Torrijos survived a military coup against him on 16 December 1969, Torrijos named him president of the provisional government. Lakas' presidency was primarily during rule of military officerOmar Torrijos, and was marked by media censorship and suppression of opposition movements. He also negotiated the 1977Torrijos–Carter Treaty that transferred control of thePanama Canal from the US to Panama.[3]
He died on 2 November 1999 at the age of 74 inPanama City after succumbing to a heart disease.[4]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | President of Panama 1969–1978 | Succeeded by |
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