born March 13, 1926/7, Chascomús, Buenos Aires, Arg.
Civilian president of Argentina (198389).
He took a degree in law and founded a newspaper before entering politics in 1953. After Argentina lost the Falkland Islands War , the discredited military permitted free elections, and Alfonsín defeated the Peronist candidate. He prosecuted members of the armed forces for human rights violations, but military pressure (including several armed revolts) led him to pardon most convicted officers. His presidency was plagued by high inflation, a huge national debt, labour disputes, and a discontented military. Constitutionally barred from a second term, he was succeeded by Carlos Menem .