Miguel de la Madrid | Ex-leader of Mexico, 77
MEXICO CITY - Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, 77, who led Mexico from 1982 to 1988 during economic crisis and a devastating earthquake, died Sunday, the government said.
MEXICO CITY - Miguel de la Madrid Hurtado, 77, who led Mexico from 1982 to 1988 during economic crisis and a devastating earthquake, died Sunday, the government said.
President Felipe Calderon called Mr. De la Madrid "a Mexican with a profound commitment to the country" in a statement confirming his death. The cause of death was not revealed, but the former president had been hospitalized in Mexico City with respiratory problems since Dec. 17.
His term was a grim time for most Mexicans, a six-year hangover after a spending binge by a previous government that was convinced soaring oil prices would never fall. When they did, the buying power of Mexican salaries was slashed in half as inflation chewed up paychecks.
Mr. De la Madrid, seen as a discrete and respectful man, pulled Mexico back from economic collapse during his presidency, but the government's handling of the election to replace him caused a political scandal that later helped topple the political system that dominated Mexico for most of the 20th century.
Mr. De la Madrid is survived by his wife, Paloma Cordero; five children; and several grandchildren.
- Associated Press