(Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Bahamonde) (1892-1975)
Spanish dictator from 1939. As a general, he led the insurgent Nationalists to victory in the Spanish Civil War 1936–39, supported by Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, and established a dictatorship. In 1942 Franco reinstated a Cortes (Spanish parliament), which in 1947 passed an act by which he became head of state for life.
Franco was born in Galicia, NW Spain. He entered the army 1910, served in Morocco 1920–26, and was appointed Chief of Staff 1935, but demoted to governor of the Canary Islands 1936. Dismissed from this post by the Popular Front (Republican) government, he plotted an uprising with German and Italian assistance, and on the outbreak of the Civil War organized the invasion of Spain by N African troops and foreign legionaries. After the death of General Sanjurjo, he took command of the Nationalists, proclaiming himself Caudillo (leader) of Spain. The defeat of the Republic with the surrender of Madrid 1939 brought all Spain under his government. On the outbreak of World War II, in spite of Spain’s official attitude of “strictest neutrality”, his pro-Axis sympathies led him to send aid, later withdrawn, to the German side.
At home, he curbed the growing power of the Falange Espańola (the fascist party), and in later years slightly liberalized his regime. In 1969 he nominated Juan Carlos as his successor and future king of Spain. He relinquished the premiership 1973, but remained head of state until his death.

1. French and
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(1931-) Brazilian politician, president 1992–94. Replacing President Fernando Collor after his removal on charges of corruption, Franco came to the office with a clean record. He promised reform with stability but during his first months in office attracted widespread criticism, both from friends (for his working methods and lack of clear policies) and opponents (for his rapid privatization program). He was defeated by Fernando Henrique Cardoso in the Oct 1994 presidential election.
Although vice president 1990–92, he had a largely low-profile political career until his elevation to head of state.