Alejo Lira Infante

Alejo Lira Infante (30 April 1880 – 26 August 1966) was a Chilean lawyer and conservative politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and later as a Senator, representing southern constituencies between 1915 and 1945.

Early life and education Lira was born in Santiago to José Antonio Lira Argomedo and Adelaida Infante de Santiago Concha.

He was educated at the Colegio San Ignacio and studied law at the University of Chile, qualifying as a lawyer on 30 April 1902.

Professional career Lira served as legal counsel to the Higher Council of Housing and was a member of the Council of State Defense. He also acted as a delegate to the Congress of The Hague.

He was actively involved in Catholic social action, serving as president of the San Isidro Patronage. He belonged to a prominent Catholic family; his brother was Bishop Rafael Lira Infante.

Political career Lira joined the Conservative Party, serving as its secretary.

He was first elected Deputy for Talca (1915–1918), later representing Rancagua, Cachapoal and Maipo (1918–1921). In both terms, he served on the Permanent Committee on Education and Public Welfare.

He was re-elected Deputy for Rancagua for the 1930–1932 term, as part of the conservative bloc of the so-called Thermal Congress, serving on the Permanent Committee on Elections.

In 1933, he entered the Senate as replacement for the late Senator Luis Alberto Cariola, representing Valdivia, Llanquihue, Chiloé, Aysén and Magallanes. He was subsequently elected in his own right for the same constituency, serving until 1945.

Honours Lira was appointed Commander of the Order of St. Gregory the Great by the Holy See.

Death Alejo Lira Infante died in Viña del Mar on 26 August 1966, at the age of 86.