Eric Arturo Delvalle, Panamanian lawyer and politician, President of Panama (d. 2015)

Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henríquez: A Pivotal Figure in Panamanian Political Transition

Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henríquez, born on 2 February 1937 and passing away on 2 October 2015, was a distinguished Panamanian politician whose career was inextricably linked to a tumultuous period in his nation's history. His political journey saw him rise through the ranks to occupy the highest office, albeit under challenging and controversial circumstances that highlighted the deep-seated power struggles within Panama during the late 20th century.

From Vice President to the Presidency: A Path Forged by Crisis

Delvalle initially served as Vice President of Panama, holding this key position under President Nicolás Ardito Barletta. This period, beginning in 1984, was fraught with political instability and marked by the pervasive influence of General Manuel Noriega, then the de facto ruler and commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF). The 1984 general election, which brought Barletta to power, was widely and credibly disputed amidst widespread accusations of fraud and electoral manipulation orchestrated by Noriega's military regime. This contentious election set the stage for subsequent political crises.

Delvalle's ascension to the presidency occurred after President Barletta's forced resignation on 28 September 1985. Barletta had incurred Noriega's wrath by attempting to launch an independent investigation into the brutal murder of Hugo Spadafora, a vocal critic of the military strongman. This forced resignation, widely perceived as a direct intervention by Noriega, propelled Eric Arturo Delvalle into the presidential office. He served as President of Panama from 28 September 1985 until 26 February 1988, navigating a complex political landscape dominated by Noriega's iron grip on power and increasing international pressure, particularly from the United States, against the Noriega regime.

The Daring Confrontation and Its Consequences

By early 1988, facing mounting internal dissent and severe economic sanctions imposed by the United States due to Noriega's alleged involvement in drug trafficking and human rights abuses, President Delvalle made a courageous and high-stakes decision. On 25 February 1988, he publicly attempted to remove Manuel Noriega from his powerful position as head of the Panamanian Defense Forces. This bold move was an unprecedented challenge to Noriega's authority and aimed to restore civilian control over the military, aligning with the growing international demands for democratic reform in Panama.

However, Noriega's control over the Panamanian political apparatus was absolute. In retaliation, the Legislative Assembly of Panama, which was largely composed of Noriega loyalists, swiftly moved to depose Delvalle. On 26 February 1988, they declared him "mentally incompetent" and formally removed him from office, replacing him with Manuel Solís Palma. Following this immediate ouster, Eric Arturo Delvalle was forced into hiding within Panama for several months, fearing for his safety, before eventually seeking asylum and going into exile in the United States. The United States continued to recognize Delvalle as the legitimate President of Panama, further intensifying the diplomatic standoff and economic pressures against Noriega's regime, which ultimately culminated in the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eric Arturo Delvalle

When was Eric Arturo Delvalle President of Panama?
Eric Arturo Delvalle served as President of Panama from 28 September 1985 until his controversial removal from office on 26 February 1988.
What led to Eric Arturo Delvalle becoming President?
Delvalle ascended to the presidency following the forced resignation of his predecessor, Nicolás Ardito Barletta, who had been pressured out of office by General Manuel Noriega, the then-powerful commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces.
Why was Eric Arturo Delvalle removed from office?
President Delvalle was removed from office by the Noriega-controlled Legislative Assembly in February 1988 after he attempted to dismiss Manuel Noriega as head of the armed forces. This action was a direct challenge to Noriega's de facto rule.
Where did Eric Arturo Delvalle go after being deposed?
After his removal, Eric Arturo Delvalle initially went into hiding within Panama and subsequently sought and was granted political asylum, moving into exile in the United States.
What was Manuel Noriega's role during Delvalle's presidency?
Manuel Noriega, as the commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces, was the de facto ruler of Panama, wielding immense power and effectively controlling the government, despite the presence of civilian presidents like Delvalle.