Luis Pereira Cotapos
Luis Pereira Cotapos (1835 – 1909) was a Chilean lawyer, businessman and politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile, as a senator for Talca and Ñuble, and as a minister of state.
He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Worship and Colonization under President Jorge Montt from December 1891 to March 1892.
Early life
Pereira was born in 1835 to José Luis Pereira Arguibel and Rosario Cotapos de la Lastra. In 1854, he traveled to Europe as an attaché to the Chilean legation in France. He later studied law and qualified as a lawyer in 1860.
After returning to Chile, Pereira worked as a lawyer for the Banco Nacional de Chile. He also served as a judge in Santiago and, in 1866, as an associate judge of the Court of Appeals.
He married Carolina Iñiguez, with whom he had ten children. In addition to his legal and political activities, Pereira became involved in mining and agriculture, building a considerable fortune from mining, nitrate interests and landed property.
Political career
A member of the Conservative Party, Pereira began his parliamentary career as substitute deputy for Los Andes for the 1861–1864 legislative period. He later served as deputy for Vichuquén from 1867 to 1870 and for Caupolicán from 1873 to 1876, participating in committees dealing with constitutional affairs, legislation, justice, finance and industry.
Pereira subsequently entered the Senate, representing Talca Province from 1879 to 1891. During his twelve years as senator for Talca, he participated in the permanent committees for government and foreign relations, ecclesiastical affairs, and constitution, legislation and justice.
In 1891, Pereira supported the congressional forces during the Chilean Civil War of 1891. That year he was elected senator for Ñuble Province, serving until 1897. He was vice president of the Senate from 10 November 1891 to 11 January 1892 and participated in the committees for government and foreign relations, war and navy, and education and welfare.
President Jorge Montt appointed Pereira Minister of Foreign Affairs, Worship and Colonization on 31 December 1891. He held the portfolio until 14 March 1892, when he was succeeded by Juan Castellón Larenas. Pereira also served for several years as a councillor of state.
Outside politics, Pereira was active in mining, the nitrate industry and agriculture. In 1869, he became a member of the Faculty of Law and wrote a biography of politician Diego José Benavente.
Pereira eventually withdrew from political life and died in Santiago in 1909.