Guillermo Antonio RodrÃÂguez Lara (born 4 November 1923) is an Ecuadorian former political and military leader who was the dictator of Ecuador from 1972 to 1976. He came to power after leading the 1972 military coup against President José MarÃÂa Velasco Ibarra. He characterised his government as "revolutionary and nationalistic."
RodrÃÂguez was born in PujilÃÂ, Cotopaxi on 4 November 1923. He took courses in C&R&Bn Staff, Irregular Warfare Orientation, and Maintenance Management at the School of the Americas located in Panama.
As commander of the army, he led a military coup d'etat executed by a navy commander named Jorge Queirolo, and forced president José MarÃÂa Velasco into exile, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. During his rule, Ecuador experienced substantial economic growth due to an increase in oil prices. The oil wealth enabled his administration to embark on public works programs, funding the construction of hospitals, schools, roads (notably, paving the Quito-Tulcán road), the oil refinery at Esmeraldas, and new equipment for the armed services. Some military officers attempted an unsuccessful coup against him in 1975. The Ecuadorian military removed him from power in January 1976.
RodrÃÂguez turned 100 on 4 November 2023. At years old, he is now the oldest living former state leader in the world.