José Joaquín Pérez

José Joaquín Pérez Mascayano (; 6 May 1801 – 1 July 1889) was a Chilean lawyer, diplomat, and politician who served as President of Chile from 1861 to 1871.

Early life and family Pérez was born on 6 May 1801 in Santiago to , a lawyer and politician, and María de la Luz Mascayano y Larraín. Pérez studied humanities at the Real Colegio Carolino and the Instituto Nacional before earning a law degree from the Royal University of San Felipe. The couple had 11 children Luz Pérez Florez; second wife of Francisco García-Huidobro Eyzaguirre Teresa Pérez Florez; married the farmer and politician Gertrudis Pérez Florez; married the diplomat and politician

Career Pérez entered politics as a Deputy for Aconcagua Province in 1826 and later held seats for Puchacay, Curicó, and Santiago. He also served as Minister of the Interior and Minister of Foreign Relations under President Manuel Bulnes. During his tenure as a Senator and State Councillor under Manuel Montt, Pérez remained neutral in political conflicts, positioning him as a unifying candidate for the presidency in 1861.

Presidency As president, Pérez's administration promoted reconciliation and reform. He enacted an amnesty law for political disputes from 1851 to 1861, allowed greater freedom of the press, and passed the Law of Freedom of Worship in 1865.

Re-elected in 1866, Pérez faced economic challenges due to debts incurred during the Chincha Islands War (1865–1866) against Spain. His second term included constitutional reforms, such as the prohibition of immediate presidential re-election, enacted shortly before he left office in 1871.

Following his presidency, Pérez continued to serve in political roles, including as a Senator. He died in Santiago in 1889 at the age of 88.