Guillermo Antonio Rodríguez Lara (born 4 November 1923) is an Ecuadorian former political and military leader who was the dictator of Ecuador from 1972 to 1976. He came to power after leading the 1972 military coup against President José María Velasco Ibarra. He characterised his government as "revolutionary and nationalistic." He took courses in C&R&Bn Staff, Irregular Warfare Orientation, and Maintenance Management at the School of the Americas located in Panama.

As commander of the army, he led a military coup d'etat executed by a navy commander named Jorge Queirolo, and forced president José María Velasco into exile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. During his rule, Ecuador experienced substantial economic growth due to an increase in oil prices. At years old, he is now the oldest living former state leader in the world.

References

  • Official Website of the Ecuadorian Government about the country President's History