Joaquín Palma

Joaquín Salvador Antonio Palma Irarrázaval (2 February 1943–17 August 2013) was a Chilean politician who served as deputy.

Biography He was born in Chile on 2 February 1943, the son of Ignacio Palma Vicuña—descendant of the founders of the city of Vicuña and senator for Coquimbo, as was his grandfather—and Ana Irarrázabal Donoso. He was the brother of Deputy Andrés Palma Irarrázaval. He married Isabel Cortés, and they had four daughters.

He completed his higher education at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Chile, graduating as a civil engineer in 1963.

In the professional sphere, he advised and managed important private-sector companies. Among his professional activities were positions in the metal-mechanical and ceramic industries in the Metropolitan Region and Coquimbo Region.

Political career He began his political activities while studying at university, when he joined the Christian Democratic Party. From 1986 he served as president of his party for the Province of Elqui. At the same time, he led the regional coordination of the Concertación coalition in support of the "No" option during the 1988 national plebiscite.

In 1989 he was elected Deputy for District No. 7 (La Serena, La Higuera, Vicuña, Paihuano and Andacollo), IV Region, for the 1990–1994 term. During this period he served on the Permanent Commissions of Mining and Energy, and of Economy, Development and Reconstruction. He was also a member of the Special Commission of the Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO) and of the Special Commission on the Development of Arica.

In December 1993 he was re-elected Deputy for the same District No. 7 for the 1994–1998 term. He served on the Permanent Commissions of Health, and of Science and Technology, which he chaired. He was substitute member of the Permanent Commission of Mining and Energy, and a member of the Special Commission on Tourism.

In December 1997 he was again elected Deputy for District No. 7 for the 1998–2002 term. During this period he served on the Permanent Commission of Foreign Affairs, Interparliamentary Affairs and Latin American Integration, and on the Permanent Commission of Internal Government, Regionalization, Planning and Social Development.

Death He died at the age of 70 on 17 August 2013 in La Serena.