Figueiredo, João Baptista de Oliveira

Figueiredo, João Baptista de Oliveira (fēgārädō) [key], 1918–99, Brazilian general and politician, president of Brazil (1979–85). He was named (1974) to head the national intelligence service and in 1979 was chosen to succeed Ernesto Geisel as president. Figueiredo liberalized Brazil's military regime and moved the nation cautiously toward democracy. He was succeeded by a civilian president, José Sarney.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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