An avowed democrat, he served as President from 1959 to 1964, presiding over a period of redemocratization following a long period of military juntas. He initiated a modest programme of agrarian reform, increased the taxes paid by the foreign oil companies, and secured a series of benefits for organized labour. Attacked by the right-wing supporters of his predecessor and by the radical socialists, he turned the presidential office over to a freely elected successor in 1964.