Jânio Quadros

President of Brazil

Jânio da Silva Quadros January 25, 1917 Campo Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil

February 16, 1992(1992-02-16) (75) São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

January 31, 1961 – August 25, 1961

Former President of Brazil In this Portuguese name, the first or maternal family name is da Silva and the second or paternal family name is Quadros. Jânio da Silva Quadros (Portuguese pronunciation:  ( listen ) ; January 25, 1917 – February 16, 1992) was a Brazilian lawyer and politician who served as the 22nd President of Brazil from January 31 to August 25, 1961, when he resigned from office. He also served as the 24th and 36th mayor of São Paulo, and the 18th governor of the state of São Paulo. Quadros was known for his populist style of government, honesty, and eccentric behavior. As president, he focused on economic reform and attempted to root out corruption. He also pursued an independent foreign policy, trying to balance relations between the United States and the Eastern Bloc. Although he was elected by a huge margin, his term was marked by uncertainty and political instability, culminating in his resignation. That unexpected move caused national chaos, with the presidency being assumed by João Goulart.