Reynaldo Bignone

Reynaldo Bignone served as the president of Argentina from July 1, 1981, to December 10, 1983. He assumed the presidency following the ousting of Lieutenant General Leopoldo Galtieri, who resigned after the military defeat in the Falkland Islands War. Bignone's tenure was marked by the near end of the "Dirty War," a period of state-sponsored terrorism and human rights abuses.1

Under Bignone's leadership, political parties were permitted to resume their activities, and general elections were scheduled. However, elements within the armed forces attempted to conceal evidence of crimes committed during the Dirty War. He was succeeded by Raúl Alfonsín, who won the presidential election in October 1983, marking a return to democracy in Argentina. Alfonsín later initiated prosecutions against members of the defunct military government, including former presidents.12