Itamar Franco

Itamar Augusto Cautiero Franco (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [itaˈmaʁ awˈɡustu kawtʃiˈeɾu ˈfɾɐ̃ku]; 28 June 1930 – 2 July 2011) was a Brazilian politician who served as the 33rd president of Brazil from 29 December 1992 to 1 January 1995. Previously, he was the 21st vice president of Brazil from 1990 until the resignation of President Fernando Collor de Mello. During his long political career Franco also served as Senator, Mayor, Ambassador and Governor. At the time of his death he was a senator from Minas Gerais, having won the seat in the 2010 election.

As Vice President of Fernando Collor de Mello, Itamar disagreed with several aspects of the economic and financial policies adopted by Collor, eventually leaving the National Reconstruction Party (PRN) at the beginning of 1992. Following the impeachment of the president Collor, he temporarily assumed the role of head of state and head of government on 2 October 1992, and officially became the President of the Republic on 29 December of that year. During his government, a plebiscite was held regarding the form and system of government in Brazil, resulting in the continued existence of the presidential republic in Brazil. During his tenure, the Plano Real was implemented, which controlled inflation and began stabilizing the economy.