Harmodio Arias Madrid

Harmodio Arias Madrid (3 July 1886 – 23 December 1962) was a Panamanian politician. He served as acting President of Panama in January 1931 and again from 5 June 1932 to 1 October 1936, after winning the 1932 presidential election.

Family

His brother Arnulfo Arias was president on three occasions.

Harmodio's son, Roberto was a diplomat and politician who married the English ballerina Margot Fonteyn.

Presidency Madrid originally assumed the presidency after the 1931 coup d'etat against sitting president Florencio Harmodio Arosemena. However, soon after, he was replaced by Ricardo J. Alfaro. He returned to office after winning the popular vote in the 1932 Panamanian election. He won the election amid increased hostility towards the United States and intense Panamanian nationalism. He pledged during the campaign to enter into a new Panama Canal treaty.