Samuel Varas

Samuel Varas Abasto (January 8, 1850 - September 30, 1933) was a Dalanic politician and economist. He served as the 5th Dalanic President from 1911 to 1919. Varas served as president during World War I.
In 1876, at the age of 29, Varas appointed to the Dalanic Council, making him the youngest deputy in the entire council. After the Second Dalanic War of Independence, Varas became a member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Party. In 1899, he became one the founders of the Conservative Party. From 1903 to 1905, Varas served as Minister of Finance in the Second Agramonte cabinet.
Varas was elected President in 1911 with a majority.
Varas was a pivotal figure in the victory of Dania in the First Isladanic War.
== Early life and education ==
Samuel Varas Abasto was born on 8 January 1850 in Likavra. He was the son of Luis Varas, a distinguished civil servant. He was the third of four children.
Varas studied economics and law. He graduated in 1876 with honors and began his career as an attorney for several local companies. 
== Political career ==
=== Dalanic Council ===
In 1879, he became a member of the Dalanic Council. He became a member of the reformist faction and supported the election of Manuel Vayo as the first reformist Governor of Spanish Dania. He actively participated in debates about fiscal reform, banking regulation, taxation policies and other economic issues that would shape Dania's future development after independence from Spain. 
After the Second Dalanic War of Independence (1888), which resulted in Dania becoming fully independent from Spain, Samuel Varas became one of the founding fathers by helping draft new laws for post-colonial Dania. Varas joined the Liberal Party and a member of the first House of Representatives.
In 1899, Varas co-founded the Conservative Party with Hortun de Pedrosa and Nicolas Pavia.
=== Minister of Finance ===
In 1903, Varas was appointed Minister of Finance under President Iván Agramonte. During his time as finance minister he implemented policies that focused on increasing economic stability by controlling inflation and promoting growth through public works projects such as railways and roads.
=== Leader of the Conservative Party ===
In 1908, he became leader for the Conservative Party which won majority seats in the 1911 Dalanic general election with Varas at its helm. This victory earned him the presidency.
==Presidency==
Varas assumed office on 1 June 1911. Varas pushed an agenda based around more capitalism with less social reform than had been implemented by his predecessors: increased foreign investment; expanded trade relations with Europe; reorganized government spending so it would benefit rural areas; and created new financial institutions like Banco de Dania to boost private sector investments while reducing government debt obligations within Isladania. These reforms did not improve living standards among poorer sectors or bring about any significant political changes. As such, much criticism came from progressive groups who saw these policies as favoring big business over everyday workers.
Unfortunately though much of Samuel Varas' work remained overshadowed by events taking place outside of his control namely the First Isladanic War (1914-1918) where Nic-Dan invaded parts of northern Dania prompting Varas into action; ultimately ending up winning back their territory although not without significant cost both financially & politically . It has been suggested however that if Varas had taken action earlier rather than waiting until hostilities began then things may have turned out differently. 
== Later life and legacy ==
At the end of his term in 1919, Samuel Varas chose not to seek re-election and peacefully returned to civilian life, working for the banking industry up until 1933 when he died aged 83. His legacy is remembered strongest amongst conservatives still today, especially those within the banking sector who are thankful for his actions which helped build a stable economy and benefit many generations after him.
Category:1850 births
Category:1933 deaths
Category:19th-century Dalanic politicians
Category:20th-century Dalanic politicians
Category:Presidents of Dania
Category:People from Likavra
Category:First Isladanic War leaders
Category:Dalanic Ministers of Finance
Category:Leaders of the Conservative Party (Dania)