Pedro Vela

Pedro Miguel Vela Gilabert (April 10, 1883 - September 9, 1960) was a Dalanic politician, who served as the First Minister of Dania from 3 March 1928 to 5 September 1931 under Dante Cotilla and as leader of the Conservative Party from 12 April 1930 to 1 June 1938. He was also a member of the House of Representatives from 1 June 1911 to 2 March 1928 and again from 6 September 1931 to 1 June 1938.
== Early Life and Education ==
Pedro Miguel Vela Gilabert was born in Persom, Spanish Dania on April 10, 1883 as the son of Pedro Vela y Melgar, a local lawyer and landowner, and Francisca Gilabert Arenal. He studied law at the University of San Luis. After graduating in 1904, he worked for some time as a lawyer in Santiago before establishing his own practice in Persom.
== Political Career ==
In 1911, Vela entered politics when he was elected to the House of Representatives for the Conservative Party. He became an important figure within the Conservative Party. On 28 February 1928. Dante Cotilla appointed him First Minister following the resignation of Fernan de Moscoso. In 1930, Vela assumed leadership of the Conservative Party and was party leader in the 1931 Dalanic general election, which he lost. On 5 September 1931, he left office as first minister, but remained party leader. Vela lost another election in 1935 losing even more support. In 1938, he resigned due to disagreements with members over how best to manage economic problems caused by the Great Depression. He remained a Member of Parliament until 1938 when he retired from politics altogether due largely declining health issues. 
== Death ==
Vela died on 9 September 1960 at age 77 after several years suffering ill health brought about by old age, having never married nor had any children. He is remembered fondly among many Dalanics who view him highly for his commitment towards helping reform Dania’s economy during difficult times while ensuring that it maintained good diplomatic relations with its neighbours throughout Isladania.
Category:1883 births
Category:1960 deaths
Category:20th-century Dalanic politicians
Category:Conservative Party politicians (Dania)
Category:Leaders of the Conservative Party (Dania)
Category:First Ministers of Dania