Salomón Corbalán

Salomón Corbalán González (Victoria, 19 April 1925 – San Fernando, 11 March 1967) was a Chilean chemical engineer and politician, member of the Socialist Party of Chile (PS).

Biography He was the son of Salomón Corbalán and Feliticia González Castillo. He studied at the Liceo of Traiguén and later at the University of Concepción, graduating as a chemical engineer. He married María Elena Carrera, with whom he had three children: Patricio, Alejandra, and Andrés Felipe.

Between 1949 and 1958, he worked as a professor at the University of Concepción. In 1957, he became general manager of the Production Development Corporation (CORFO).

He began his political career in 1945, joining the Socialist Youth Federation and serving as a student leader. He rose to become one of the leading figures of Chilean socialism.

After the divisions caused by the Ley de Defensa Permanente de la Democracia (Law for the Permanent Defense of Democracy), he joined the Socialist Popular Party. In 1953, he was elected Deputy for the 17th Departmental District (Tomé, Concepción, Talcahuano, Yumbel, and Coronel). He failed to secure reelection in 1957.

Following the reunification of the Socialist Party and Socialist Popular Party, he was elected Secretary General of the PS, serving between 1957 and 1961. He was campaign manager for Salvador Allende in the 1958 and 1964 presidential elections and became one of the main leaders of the Popular Action Front (FRAP).

In 1961, Corbalán was elected Senator for the 5th Provincial District (O'Higgins and Colchagua). He was part of the Permanent Commission on Public Education.

Ideology Corbalán identified with Marxist–Leninist philosophy, while emphasizing that this ideology should allow for diverse interpretations in political application. He criticized Soviet political practices of the time and expressed sympathy for the Yugoslav socialist model.

Death He died in San Fernando on 11 March 1967 in a car accident while performing parliamentary duties. A by-election was held to fill his seat, won by his wife, María Elena Carrera.