Pedro Carmona Estanga (born 1941) was temporarily the de facto President of Venezuela from April 11 to April 13, 2002. He was installed following a coup d'état by elements of the Venezuelan military, press, business community, and right-wing political parties against the leftist president, Hugo Chávez. During his short period in office, he violated the constitution of Venezuela by disolving legislative and judicial branches of the Venezuelan government. Following world-wide condemnation of his seizure of power, he was removed by civil authorities and Chávez was restored to office. Left wing Chavez supporters have alleged that the coup attempt was bankrolled and/or encouraged by the government of the United States.

On May 29, 2002, Carmona checked into a residential compound in Bogotá after receiving exile in Colombia. He arrived at Bogotá's military airport in a Colombian Air Force plane, and was driven away in a motorcade accompanied by Colombian police. Colombia granted Carmona asylum three days earlier.

Prior to the coup, Carmona was president of Fedecámaras (the Venezuelan Federation of Chambers of Industry and Commerce), Venezuela's largest business-owners' association.

External link

• VENEZUELAFOIA.INFO – Carmona's 12 April 2002 introducing rule by decree, dissolving the National Assembly, etc.