Frondizi, Arturo (ärtOO'rō frôndē'sē) [key], 1908–95, president of Argentina (1958–62). A lawyer and economist, he opposed Juan Perón and rose to prominence after the latter was overthrown in 1955. A realist, he accepted Peronist support in his successful bid for the presidency in 1958. As president he attempted to revitalize the economy by imposing strict austerity measures and arranging for aid from the International Monetary Fund. Reversing a previous stand, he permitted the exploitation of Argentine petroleum by foreign countries, a move that aroused much opposition. He allowed the Peronists to participate in the 1962 elections; after they scored impressive victories, outraged anti-Perón elements in the army arrested Frondizi and annulled the elections. José Guido assumed the presidency.
