Eduardo Alessandri Rodríguez

Eduardo Alessandri Rodríguez (23 January 1903 – 22 July 1973) was a Chilean lawyer and politician. A member of the Liberal Party, and later a founding member of the National Party, he served as Deputy (1937–1949) and Senator (1949–1957). He was the son of President Arturo Alessandri Palma and the brother of President Jorge Alessandri Rodríguez.

Early life Born in San Bernardo on 23 January 1903, he was the son of President Arturo Alessandri Palma and Rosa Ester Rodríguez Velasco. He studied at the Instituto Nacional and then at the University of Chile, graduating as a lawyer on 22 November 1926 with the thesis La Mora.

Marriages and children He married María Angélica Valdés Aldunate, and later, in second marriage, Florencia Baraona Hausser. He had two children.

Professional career While still a student, he was appointed secretary of the Chilean Embassy that attended the Centenary of Brazil’s independence in 1922. He practiced law in Santiago and also engaged in agriculture, managing his estate Los Castaños in Curicó.

Political career Alessandri joined the Liberal Party and was elected Deputy for the 3rd Departmental Group (Chañaral, Copiapó, Freirina, Huasco) (1937–1941), where he sat on the Permanent Committee of Industry.

He was reelected Deputy for the 13th Departmental Group (Cauquenes, Constitución, Chanco) (1941–1945), serving on the Finance Committee, and again for the 1945–1949 term, serving on the National Defense Committee.

In 1949 he was elected Senator for the 6th Provincial Group (Curicó, Talca, Maule and Linares), a position he held until 1957. During his tenure he served on the Permanent Committees on Mining and Industrial Development, and on Budget.

In 1966 he joined the newly founded National Party.

Other activities Alessandri was General Manager of the Compañía Azufrera Nacional, Director of Mademsa and Madeco, and served as Councillor of the Banco del Estado. He also managed the sulfur mines at Tacora. He was a member of the Club de La Unión.

Death After a long illness, Alessandri died in Santiago on 22 July 1973, aged 70. His funeral was attended by President Salvador Allende and numerous dignitaries. He was buried in the family vault at the Cementerio General de Santiago.