Juscelino Kubitschek

Juscelino Kubitschek , 1902-76, president of Brazil (1956-61). A surgeon who served as mayor of Belohorizonte and governor of Minas Gerais, he was elected president in 1955. He launched an immense public works program, borrowing heavily to construct buildings, highways, hydroelectric projects, and the new capital city, Brasília. He offered enormous incentives to industry, and the country's productive capacity soared. The huge deficit spending, however, sparked an inflationary spiral, and the national debt reached almost $4 billion. Kubitschek was succeeded in office by Janio Quadros. In 1964, after a military takeover in Brazil, Kubitschek was deprived of his political rights and went into exile temporarily.

Kubitschek, Juscelino (1902–76) Brazilian statesman. He was governor of the Province of Minas Gerais (1950–56), where he initiated a programme of industrial and agricultural development. He then served as President of Brazil (1956–61). Determined to diversify the economy and reduce unemployment, he embarked on a massive public works programme, including the creation of the new capital city of Brasília. Economic prosperity followed, but at the cost of high inflation. Brazil's national debt rose to $4 billion, while its population soared to over 60 million. He was forced into exile for three years by his successor Castel Branco.