Alfredo Cristiani (born 1947) sought to moderate the right-wing extremist image of the Alianza Republicana Nacionalista (ARENA) and led the party to victory when he was elected president of El Salvador in 1989.

Alfredo Cristiani, nicknamed "Fredy," was a member of one of El Salvador's wealthiest families, whose interests included extensive holdings in coffee, cotton, sugar, and pharmaceuticals. Born in San Salvador on November 22, 1947, he enjoyed a privileged childhood. After attending the American School in the Salvadoran capital, Cristiani studied in the United States and graduated in business administration from Georgetown University. As a youth, he distinguished himself primarily as an athlete, excelling at squash and basketball, and eventually moving on to more expensive pursuits, such as motorcycling and aviation. Employed mostly in family enterprises before he became active in politics in the 1980's, Cristiani was known in his own country as a spokesperson for business interests. A free market...