Demetrio B. Lakas

Demetrio Basilio Lakas Bahas (August 29, 1925 in Colón, Panama – November 2, 1999 in Panama City) was the 27th President of Panama from December 19, 1969 to October 11, 1978.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Lakas and the second or maternal family name is Bahas.
Demetrio B. Lakas
27th President of Panama
In office
December 19, 19691 – October 11, 1978
Vice PresidentArturo Sucre (1972–1975)
Gerardo González Vernaza
Preceded byJosé María Pinilla2
Succeeded byAristides Royo
Personal details
Born
Demetrio Basilio Lakas Bahas

(1925-08-29)August 29, 1925
Colón, Panama
DiedNovember 2, 1999(1999-11-02) (aged 74)
Panama City, Panama
NationalityPanama
SpouseElizabeth Fannia Roger de Lakas (m. 1959)
Children1 daughter, 2 sons
OccupationEngineer
1 Lakas began his term in office as the Chairmen of the Provisional Junta of Government.
2 Fábrega was the military Chairmen of the Provisional Junta of Government.

Early life and education

The son of Greek immigrants, Lakas was born in Colón. Following his education in local schools, he graduated from Texas 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]

Presidency

Lakas was popular among his fellow businessmen. After General Omar 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 officer Omar Torrijos, and was marked by media censorship and suppression of opposition movements. He also negotiated the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaty that transferred control of the Panama Canal from the US to Panama.[3]

Death

He died on 2 November 1999 at the age of 74 in Panama City after succumbing to a heart disease.[4]

References
  1. Programs Template
  2. Bendahmane, Diane B.; McDonald, John W. (1986). Perspectives on Negotiation: Four Case Studies and Interpretations : the Panama Canal Treaties, the Falkland/Malvinas Islands, the Cyprus Dispute, Negotiating Zimbabwe's Independence. Center for the Study of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Service Institute, U.S. Department of State.
  3. "Deaths Elsewhere". THe Washington Post.  – via HighBeam Research (subscription required) . November 4, 1999. Archived from the original on April 7, 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  4. Leonard, Thomas M. (18 November 2014). Historical Dictionary of Panama. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 175. ISBN 9780810878358.


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