Armando Calderón Sol

president of El Salvador

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July 17, 2026

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Armando Calderón Sol served as president of El Salvador from 1994 to 1999. His presidency followed the end of El Salvador's civil war, with a peace agreement signed in 1992 that mandated significant military reductions and the creation of a new civilian police force.12

During Calderón Sol's term, public security was transferred to the new police force, but violent crime, including assassinations and terrorism by right-wing death squads, increased significantly. His administration also faced challenges in fulfilling promises of land and agricultural credits to former combatants, leading to protests. Harsh living conditions, neoliberal economic policies, and the weak performance of state institutions contributed to a climate of insecurity. Arena, Calderón Sol's party, faced corruption scandals and internal disputes, losing seats in the 1997 elections.12

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El Salvador
The postconflict era
Armando Calderón Sol of Arena triumphed in the presidential election of 1994, and his party also won control of the National Assembly. Under Calderón’s leadership the government reduced the number of its troops and turned over public security to the new PNC; however, violent crime…
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Armando Calderón Sol of Arena triumphed in the presidential election of 1994, and his party also won control of the National Assembly. Under Calderón’s leadership the government reduced the number of its troops and turned over public security to the new PNC; however, violent crime…
Read More