Eduardo Frei Montalva, Chilean lawyer and politician, 28th President of Chile (b. 1911)

Eduardo Nicanor Frei Montalva (Spanish pronunciation: [eˈðwaɾðo fɾej monˈtalβa]; 16 January 1911 – 22 January 1982) was a towering figure in 20th-century Chilean politics and a key proponent of Christian Democracy in Latin America. His extensive public service career spanned several decades, deeply influencing the social and political landscape of Chile.

A Distinguished Political Career and Transformative Presidency

Frei Montalva’s long and distinguished political journey saw him occupy several critical roles before reaching the pinnacle of power. He served as Minister of Public Works, demonstrating his commitment to national development. He also led his Christian Democratic Party (PDC) as its president, shaping its distinct "Third Way" ideology, which sought a path between capitalism and communism, rooted in social Christian principles and humanism. His parliamentary experience included a term as senator, culminating in his leadership as President of the Senate.

The zenith of his career was his presidency, serving as the 27th president of Chile from 1964 to 1970. His administration launched an ambitious program known as the "Revolution in Liberty" (Revolución en Libertad), aiming for profound structural changes through democratic means. Key initiatives included a comprehensive agrarian reform that redistributed land to peasants, significant educational reforms to expand access and quality, and the "Chileanization" of copper, a process by which the Chilean state acquired a majority stake in the large copper mines previously owned by foreign corporations. This policy was intended to give Chile greater control over its primary natural resource and increase national revenue for social programs.

A Unique Political Legacy

A remarkable aspect of Frei Montalva's political heritage is that his eldest son, Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, also ascended to the Chilean presidency (1994–2000). This unique occurrence of a father and son both holding the nation's highest office highlights the enduring influence of the Frei family in Chilean politics.

Post-Presidency: The Tumultuous Years and Opposition to Dictatorship

Following his presidency, Frei Montalva remained a central figure during the highly polarized government of his successor, Salvador Allende. In 1973, amidst a severe political and economic crisis, Frei’s Christian Democratic Party supported the resolution passed by the Chamber of Deputies on 22 August 1973. This resolution declared Allende's government unconstitutional and accused it of grave violations, effectively providing a civilian endorsement for military intervention to restore what they perceived as constitutional order. While the PDC supported the removal of Allende, it is crucial to note that this stance did not equate to an endorsement of the brutal military dictatorship that subsequently took power.

Indeed, Eduardo Frei Montalva quickly emerged as a prominent and vocal opponent of the Augusto Pinochet regime. He became a leading voice for human rights and the restoration of democracy, playing a crucial role in the clandestine opposition and advocating internationally against the dictatorship's abuses, despite the personal risks involved.

Death and The Pursuit of Justice

Eduardo Frei Montalva died in Santiago, Chile, on 22 January 1982, at the age of 71, following surgery for a hiatus hernia. While initially attributed to complications from the procedure, suspicions of assassination quickly arose among his family and political allies, given the fraught political climate and his prominent opposition to the Pinochet regime.

For decades, the circumstances surrounding his death remained a subject of intense speculation and controversy. However, subsequent judicial investigations in Chile definitively established that his death was not accidental. In 2009, a Chilean judge ruled that Frei Montalva's death was a homicide by poisoning. Further investigations led to the indictment and eventual conviction in 2019 of six individuals, including doctors, agents of the Pinochet dictatorship, and a civilian, for their roles in his assassination. This landmark ruling affirmed that the former president was murdered, bringing a measure of justice and clarity to one of the most significant unsolved mysteries of the Chilean dictatorship era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eduardo Frei Montalva

What was Eduardo Frei Montalva's political ideology?
Eduardo Frei Montalva was a prominent leader of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) in Chile. His ideology was rooted in Christian Democracy, often described as a "Third Way" between capitalism and communism. It emphasized social justice, human dignity, communitarianism, and democratic reform.
What were the main achievements of his presidency (1964-1970)?
His presidency, known as the "Revolution in Liberty," achieved significant reforms. Key accomplishments included a far-reaching agrarian reform program, major advancements in education, and the "Chileanization" of copper, which involved the state acquiring a majority share in the country's largest copper mines to increase national control and revenue.
What was Eduardo Frei Montalva's stance regarding the 1973 military intervention in Chile?
Frei Montalva's Christian Democratic Party supported the Chamber of Deputies' resolution on August 22, 1973, which accused Salvador Allende's government of constitutional violations. This resolution was later cited by the military as justification for their intervention to remove Allende. However, Frei Montalva himself quickly became a leading and vocal opponent of the subsequent Augusto Pinochet military dictatorship, advocating for human rights and the restoration of democracy.
How did Eduardo Frei Montalva die?
Eduardo Frei Montalva died on January 22, 1982, following surgery. While initially stated as complications, extensive judicial investigations in Chile later concluded that his death was a homicide by poisoning. In 2019, six individuals were convicted for their involvement in his assassination, linking his death to the Pinochet regime.