Who Is Jorge Rafael Videla? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jorge Rafael Videla was born on August 2, 1925. As of 2025, this makes him 99 years old. Videla served as the 24th President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981 during a tumultuous period known as the "Dirty War," where the government undertook widespread human rights abuses. His military dictatorship is marked by its oppressive tactics against dissenters and political opponents. Though he passed away on May 17, 2018, his impact on Argentine history continues to evoke various sentiments and discussions regarding governance and human rights.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1925 |
| Age | 87 Years |
| Birth Place | Mercedes, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Argentina |
| Date of death | 17 May, 2013 |
| Died Place | Marcos Paz, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Popularity
Jorge Rafael Videla's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Jorge Rafael Videla's height and weight details are not prominently recorded, as these statistics are not typically highlighted in political biographies. However, it’s essential to recognize that physical stats are not reflective of the significant historical impact of his policies and leadership during his time in office.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Regarding family, Jorge Rafael Videla was married to Azucena Maiz Otero. They had five children together. His personal life, like many aspects of his leadership, is characterized by complexity due to the political climate of his era. Details about his romantic relationships outside of marriage remain scarce.
He began his primary studies in his hometown, and later continued them at the Colegio San José in Buenos Aires, run by Bayonne parents, where prominent figures from the Argentine political and business scene also studied, including former President Hipólito Yrigoyen.
Net Worth and Salary
During his leadership, Videla's financial dealings and the economic landscape of Argentina were heavily scrutinized. His net worth was not publicly detailed during his lifetime, as he maintained a low profile regarding personal finances post-presidency. However, it is acknowledged that many government officials during his regime accumulated wealth through various means amid political corruption. Details of his assets and financial standing were further obscured by the turbulent legacy he left behind.
Some 11,000 Argentines have applied for and received up to US$200,000 as monetary compensation from the state for the loss of loved ones during the military dictatorship. The Asamblea por los Derechos Humanos (APDH or Assembly for Human Rights) believes that 12,261 people were killed or disappeared during the "National Reorganization Process".
Politically, all legislative power was concentrated in the hands of Videla's nine-man junta, and every important position in the national government was filled with loyal military officers.
Career, Business and Investments
Before ascending to the presidency, Videla's military career paved the way for his involvement in the political sphere. His role as a leader during Argentina's military junta is the hallmark of his career. Post-presidency, Videla faced numerous legal battles due to human rights violations during his regime, ultimately leading to his imprisonment. There is little to no public record of business ventures or investments tied directly to him after his presidency, as his focus remained on managing the consequences of his leadership.
Videla joined the National Military College (Colegio Militar de la Nación) on 3 March 1942 and graduated on 21 December 1944 with the rank of second lieutenant. After steady promotion as a junior officer in the infantry, he attended the War College between 1952 and 1954 and graduated as a qualified staff officer.
Videla served at the Ministry of Defence from 1958 to 1960 and thereafter he directed the Military Academy until 1962. In 1971, he was promoted to brigade general and appointed by Alejandro Agustin Lanusse as Director of the National Military College.
In late 1973 the head of the Army, Leandro Anaya, appointed Videla as the Chief of Staff of the Army. During July and August 1975, Videla was the Head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Estado Mayor Conjunto) of the Argentine Armed Forces.
In August 1975, the President, Isabel Perón, appointed Videla to the Army's senior position, the General Commander of the Army.
Social Network
As a historical figure, Videla does not engage in modern social networks; however, discussions surrounding his policies and actions continue to proliferate across various platforms. Various historical accounts, documentaries, and online forums provide insights into his life and the ramifications of his presidency, reflecting ongoing public interest in Argentina's political history.
Education
Jorge Rafael Videla graduated from the Military College of the Argentine Army, which laid the foundation for his military career. His education focused on military tactics and leadership, which played a significant role in his eventual rise to power as a key figure in the Argentine military junta. His formal education is closely tied to his military service and subsequent political life, demonstrating the intersections of education and governance in shaping leaders.
On 7 April 1948, Videla married Alicia Raquel Hartridge (28 September 1927 – 5 November 2021 ) daughter of Samuel Alejandro Hartridge Parkes (1891–1969), an English Argentine professor of physics and Argentine ambassador to Turkey, and María Isabel Lacoste Álvarez (1893–1939).
They had seven children: María Cristina (1949), Jorge Horacio (1950), Alejandro Eugenio (1951–1971), María Isabel (1954), Pedro Ignacio (1956), Fernando Gabriel (1961) and Rafael Patricio (1963). Two sons (Rafael Patricio and Fernando Gabriel) joined the Argentine Army.
