Taking office in 1990 at the age of 40, Fernando Collor de Mello became the youngest president in Brazilian history. His mandate marked the first democratic election of a head of state following the conclusion of the country’s military dictatorship, a period characterized by volatile economic conditions and significant shifts in national policy.
Early Political Trajectory
Born in 1949 in Rio de Janeiro to Leda Collor and Senator Arnon Affonso de Farias Mello, Collor entered public service following his education at Colégio São Vicente de Paulo and the University of Brasília. He served as the mayor of Maceió from 1979 to 1982 before securing a seat as a federal deputy of Alagoas, holding that position until 1987. His profile grew during his tenure as governor of Alagoas, where he gained national visibility for his vocal opposition to high-salaried public servants, whom he labeled marajás.
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In 1989, Collor won the presidential election, defeating Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Upon assuming the presidency in 1990, he introduced the Collor Plan, an ambitious economic strategy designed to combat hyperinflation by curbing the money supply and converting consumer bank deposits. His administration also launched a national privatization program, promoted market liberalization for imports, and signed the 1991 Treaty of Asunción, which established the Southern Common Market, or Mercosur. Domestically, he merged the IAPAS and INPS agencies to form the National Social Security Institute.
Impeachment and Legal Proceedings
The presidential term ended abruptly in 1992 following corruption allegations involving his treasurer, Paulo César Farias. As the Brazilian Senate moved toward an impeachment trial, Collor resigned on 29 December 1992, transferring authority to vice president Itamar Franco. Although the Senate later convicted him of crimes of responsibility, stripping his political rights for eight years, he was eventually acquitted of related criminal charges by the Supreme Federal Court. He returned to legislative roles, serving as an Alagoas senator from 2007 to 2015 and again from 2015 to 2023. In April 2025, he was arrested by the Federal Police following a Supreme Court order.
Fast facts
- Born: 1949, Rio de Janeiro
- President of Brazil: 1990-1992
- Mayor of Maceió: 1979-1982
- Federal Deputy of Alagoas: 1983-1987
- Alagoas Senator: 2007-2023
- Languages: Portuguese, French
- Religion: Catholicism
Questions readers ask
What was the Collor Plan?
It was an economic policy launched in 1990 to reduce inflation by forcibly converting large portions of consumer bank accounts into non-cashable government bonds.
Why did Fernando Collor resign from the presidency?
He resigned in December 1992 to avoid the final vote of an impeachment trial initiated by allegations of corruption within his administration.
Achievements
- federal deputy of Alagoas (1983–1987)
- President of Brazil (1990–1992)
- Alagoas senator (2007–2015)
- Alagoas senator (2015–2023)
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 1991
- Grand Cross of the Order of the Southern Cross
- Order of Naval Merit
- Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Portugal
- Educated at University of Brasília and Colégio São Vicente de Paulo
