Raul Alfonsin

Raúl Alfonsín was elected president of Argentina in 1983, marking the return to democracy after the period of military rule known as the "Dirty War" (1976-83). Alfonsín was a member of the Radical Centrist Union (UCR) a moderate political party in Argentina, and a founder of the Permanent Assembly for Human Rights (1975). However, his government had a mixed record on human rights, as he passed a law of immunity during his time in office. His presidency was marked by the struggle against inflation, an emphasis on literacy, and strained relations with the United States. He also became involved in a conflict with the Catholic Church over the legalization of divorce. Alfonsín ratified the new divorce law in 1987, despite public opposition by intransigent bishops and threats to excommunicate the politicians that voted in its favor.