Who Is Alfredo Stroessner? Age, Biography and Wiki
Alfredo Stroessner was born on November 3, 1912, and serves as a significant figure in Paraguay's history. He ruled the country with an iron fist from 1954 until he was ousted in 1989, making him one of the longest-serving dictators in Latin America. As of 2025, Stroessner would have been 112 years old, although he passed away on August 16, 2006, in Brazil. His military-led regime is remembered for human rights violations, oppression, and corruption.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 3, 1912 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | Encarnación, Paraguay |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Paraguay |
| Date of death | 16 August, 2006 |
| Died Place | Brasília, Brazil |
Popularity
Alfredo Stroessner's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Alfredo Stroessner during his life haven't been widely documented, he was known to have an authoritative presence that commanded respect. His height is estimated to be around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), weighing approximately 170 pounds (77 kg) during his active years. His physical stature contributed to his image as a strong leader.
Stroessner objected to President Federico Chaves's plans to arm the national police and threw him out of office in a coup on 4 May 1954. The National Assembly appointed Tomás Romero Pereira president, who called for special elections to complete Chávez's term. Stroessner became the nominee for the Colorado Party in that year's election on 11 July. He won, as he was the only candidate.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As for Alfredo Stroessner's family, he was married to Teresa de Jesús González, and together they had several children. Throughout his rule, Stroessner's personal life was shrouded in controversy, particularly regarding relationships outside of his marriage, which contributed to various speculations about his inner circle. His family continues to live in Paraguay, and their public presence often invokes mixed reactions due to their complicated legacy tied to Stroessner's regime.
His father, a German Paraguayan, was an accountant from Hof, Bavaria, Germany, who immigrated to Paraguay in the last five years of the 1890s. His mother was of Guaraní and Spanish criollo descent.
Net Worth and Salary
Alfredo Stroessner's estimated net worth at the height of his power was significant, mainly due to alleged corruption and embezzlement during his rule. Reports suggest he amassed wealth through various means, including land ownership and illicit financial dealings, though exact figures remain elusive. After his downfall, investigations into his finances revealed substantial amounts of cash and assets stashed in foreign banks.
Stroessner dedicated large proportions of the Paraguayan national budget to the military and police apparatus, both fundamental to the maintenance of the regime. According to a 1963 article from Time magazine, Stroessner spent 33% of the 1962 annual budget on army and police, 15% for education, and just 2% for public works.
There was no income tax and public spending was the smallest percentage of GDP in Latin America.
Career, Business and Investments
Stroessner had a military background before becoming the president of Paraguay, leveraging his position to build a repressive regime that silenced dissent. His career was marked by significant investments in infrastructure, albeit heavily influenced by U.S. interests during the Cold War. Despite his notorious human rights abuses and heavy-handed politics, some credit him with initiating development projects that laid foundational infrastructure in Paraguay.
Soon after taking office, Stroessner placed the entire country under a state of siege and suspended civil liberties. The state-of-siege provisions allowed the government to arrest and detain anyone indefinitely without trial, as well as forbid public meetings and demonstrations.
It was renewed every 90 days until 1987, except for a brief period in 1959. Although it technically only applied to Asunción after 1970, the courts ruled that anyone charged with security offenses could be brought to the capital and charged under the state-of-siege provisions—even if the offense took place outside the capital.
Apart from one 24-hour period on election days, Stroessner ruled under what amounted to martial law for nearly all of his tenure. A devoted anti-communist who brought Paraguay into the World Anti-Communist League, he justified his repression as a necessary measure to protect the country.
The use of political repression, threats and death squads was a key factor in Stroessner's longevity as dictator of Paraguay. He maintained virtually unlimited power by giving a free hand to the military and to Minister of Interior Edgar Ynsfrán, who began to harass, terrorize, and occasionally murder family members of the regime's opponents.
Stroessner heavily relied on various Colorado Party militias, subordinated to his control, to crush any dissent within the country.
Social Network
Stroessner was known for his loyalist networks, both politically and socially. His regime maintained strong ties with several foreign governments, particularly those of the United States, which viewed him as a bulwark against communism. In 2025, discussions around his legacy continue to spark debates on social media platforms as Paraguayans reflect on the ramifications of his authoritarian rule.
Education
Alfredo Stroessner's educational background remains less documented, but he was trained in military academies. His strategic military education enabled him to navigate the complexities of governance and control over the nation effectively. In retrospect, his understanding of military tactics significantly influenced his approach to leadership and governance in Paraguay.
He joined the Paraguayan army at the age of 16. After attending military school in Asunción, Stroessner fought in the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia, and had been promoted to the rank of first lieutenant by the war's end.
During the 1947 Paraguayan Civil War, Stroessner supported the Colorado Party, and played an important role in their victory. In 1951, he became commander-in-chief of the army.
