born Oct. 27, 1922, Rubio, Venez.
President of Venezuela (197479, 198993).
He began his political career at age 18. A founder of Democratic Action, he was elected president in 1973 with the support of the liberal Rómulo Betancourt . He nationalized the oil industry while retaining experienced foreign personnel to ensure efficiency, slowed production to conserve resources, stimulated small business and agriculture, and channeled petroleum income into hydroelectric projects, education programs, and steel mills. Reelected in 1989, Pérez promoted free-market economic reforms. After surviving two attempted coups, he was imprisoned in 1993 on charges of embezzlement and misuse of public funds.