Jânio Quadros

Jânio da Silva Quadros was born in Campo Grande, then part of the state of Mato Grosso, on January 25, 1917. Son of Gabriel Quadros and Leonor da Silva Quadros, he graduated in Law in 1935 and started his career as a lawyer and teacher. He entered politics as an alternate councilman for the Christian Democratic Party (PDC) in 1948, quickly standing out in São Paulo's political scene.

In 1950, he was elected state deputy and, three years later, became mayor of São Paulo, leading a term marked by mass layoffs and a moralizing campaign. In 1954, he resigned from the mayoralty to run for governor of São Paulo, a position he assumed in 1955. During his term, he sought to expand his national political influence, aligning with the opposition to Juscelino Kubitschek's government.

In 1960, Jânio ran for president of Brazil, winning the election with a platform against corruption and in favor of public morality. Inaugurated in 1961, his administration was marked by controversial measures and an independent foreign policy, including closer ties with socialist countries. On August 25, 1961, he shocked the nation by resigning from office, citing "terrible hidden forces" as his reason.

After his resignation, Jânio stayed away from politics but returned in the 1980s, being elected mayor of São Paulo in 1985. He concluded his term in 1988 and, following a brief stint in politics, retired permanently. He passed away in São Paulo on February 16, 1992.

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