Ruiz Cortines, << roo EES kawr TEE nays, >> Adolfo (1890-1973), served as president of Mexico from 1952 to 1958. A civil servant for 30 years, he was governor of Veracruz from 1944 to 1948 and secretary of the interior under President Miguel Alemán.
Adolfo Ruiz Cortines was born on Dec. 30, 1890, in Veracruz, Mexico. As president, Ruiz Cortines fought dishonesty and corruption in reforming the civil service. He also consolidated gains made by Alemán’s administration in developing agriculture and industry. In addition, Ruiz Cortines took measures that led to a decrease in Mexico’s high inflation rate. He directed reform of Mexico City’s government, and effectively met the crisis caused by an earthquake in 1957. He died on Dec. 3, 1973.
