Menem was also supremely flexible as a politician, beginning his career as a self-styled disciple of Gen. Juan Domingo Peron, who founded the populist movement that bears his name and placed the economy largely under state control. Menem, who served two terms as president between 1989 and 1999, transformed the country but in the opposite direction.
“I don’t know if I’m going to get the country out of its economic problems, but I’m sure going to make a more fun country,” Menem once said. He relished the company of celebrities, hosting the Rolling Stones and Madonna in Buenos Aires, and memorably shrugged off criticism after receiving a red Ferrari as a gift from an Italian businessman in 1990.
Carlos Menem, a former Argentine president who delivered short-lived economic stability and forged close ties with the United States in the 1990s even as he navigated scandal and enjoyed an often flamboyant lifestyle, has died.
BUENOS AIRES: Carlos Menem, a former Argentine president who delivered short-lived economic stability and forged close ties with the United States in the 1990s even as he navigated scandal and enjoyed an often flamboyant lifestyle, has died. Argentine President Alberto Fernández confirmed the death of the 90-year-old former leader, who had been ailing in recent weeks. The
Argentine ex-President Carlos Menem dies at 90
Serving two terms as president from 1989 to 1999, Menem brought some economic stability but was criticized for his often flamboyant lifestyle.
Carlos Menem brought economic stability to Argentina but at a price
Former President Carlos Menem has died at 90 after several weeks of poor health, Argentine media reported on Sunday.
His death was confirmed by current President Alberto Fernandez.
Menem, who served two terms as president between 1989 and 1999, was serving as a senator at the time of his death.
Free-market model
Born in 1930 to Syrian immigrants, Menem, who was a lawyer, became the governor of northwestern La Rioja Province in 1973 as leader of the local branch of the Peronist Party. He went on to serve two further terms.