Ernesto Pérez Balladares is a Panamanian politician and businessman who served as the President of Panama from 1994 to 1999. He was born on May 12, 1946, in Panama City. Before his presidency, he held various political positions and was a member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party. During his presidency, Pérez Balladares focused on economic reforms and the transition of control over the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama. His administration faced challenges, including economic difficulties and social unrest, but he is noted for his efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure and promote foreign investment.