García Perez, Alan Gabriel Ludwig

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Peruvian politician and president 1985–90 and from 2006; leader of the moderate, reformist left-wing American Popular Revolutionary Alliance party (APRA; Aprista Party). In 1995 he inherited an ailing economy and was forced to trim his socialist programme (which had sought to nationalize banks). His government was marked by scandals, economic crisis, and the failure to control growing political violence caused by Shining Path guerrillas and drug traffickers. He lost to political novice Alberto Fujimori in the 1990 presidential elections but was elected again as president in June 2006, defeating the left-wing nationalist former soldier, Ollanta Humala (1963– ). During his second presidency he followed more centrist, market-oriented economic policies.

During his first presidency, between 1985 and 1990, GDP fell by one-fifth, living standards deteriorated, inflation soared, and the violent rebellion of the Shining Path increased. García's government attempted a military solution to the mounting terrorism, which was unsuccessful and drew accusations of human rights abuses. These included a number of alleged massacres in which hundreds of people were killed by the armed forces or disappeared. According to an official inquiry, there were around 1,600 forced disappearances during García's presidency.

Red stands for hardiness and valour. White signifies purity and innocence. Blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice. The latest star, representing Hawaii, was added in 1960. Effective date: 4 July 1960. >>