Carlos Müller
Chilean politician and lawyer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carlos Müller Rivera (14 June 1906–?) was a Chilean lawyer, journalist, and politician who served as deputy of the Republic representing northern Chile during the 1930s and early 1940s.[1]
Marta Nelly Rossel Olivares
Carlos Müller | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Chamber of Deputies | |
| In office 15 May 1933 – 15 May 1941 | |
| Constituency | 1st Departmental Grouping |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 June 1906 |
| Party | Socialist |
| Spouse(s) | Ernestina Reyes Mejías Marta Nelly Rossel Olivares |
| Children | Nine |
| Parent(s) | Demetrio Müller Bustamante Enriqueta Rivera |
| Alma mater | University of Chile |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Biography
Müller Rivera was born in Iquique, Chile, on 14 June 1906. He was the son of Demetrio Müller Bustamante and Enriqueta Rivera. He married Ernestina Reyes Mejías, with whom he had four children. In a second marriage, celebrated in Santiago on 17 January 1946, he married Marta Nelly Rossel Olivares, with whom he had five daughters.[1]
He studied at the Liceo de Iquique and later pursued law studies at the University of Chile. He obtained a law degree in Ecuador in 1928, which he subsequently revalidated in Chile in 1929.[1]
Early political and professional activity
In 1927, while still a fourth-year law student, Müller Rivera participated in a student movement opposing the government of President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo. As a result, he was deported to Ecuador, alongside other political figures, including Arturo Olavarría.[1]
He practiced law primarily in Iquique, becoming known for his legal defense of socially disadvantaged individuals. In 1931, he served as substitute judge in La Unión and later that same year as substitute judge in Alto de San Antonio, Huara.[1]
In 1932, he participated in the northern civilist movement alongside General Vignola.[1]
Journalism
In 1933, Müller Rivera founded the newspaper Crítica in Iquique. Through this publication, he promoted a form of socially engaged journalism, focusing on the major problems affecting working-class populations. The newspaper was sharply critical of the government of President Arturo Alessandri Palma, particularly regarding nitrate policy. Due to pressure from the minister of finance, Gustavo Ross Santa María, the newspaper was forced to cease publication.[1]
Political career
Müller Rivera was elected Deputy for the 1st Departmental Grouping (Arica, Pisagua and Iquique) for the 1933–1937 legislative period, initially with the support of the Radical Socialist Party. During this term, he served on the Standing Committee on Labor and Social Legislation.[1]
He was re-elected for the same constituency for the 1937–1941 term. During this period, he served as substitute member of the Standing Committees on Constitution, Legislation and Justice; Finance; and Labor and Social Legislation, and was a full member of the Standing Committee on Police Affairs. He also served on the Special Committees on Reform of the Chamber's Regulations and on Pensions.[1]
During this second term, he formally joined the Socialist Party of Chile and became head of its parliamentary caucus.[1]
Among the legislative initiatives he promoted were projects creating the State Corporation for the Production of Nitrate and Iodine, the National Tourism Corporation, reforms to the Labor Code, and amendments to the Workers’ Accident Law.[1]
Later public service
Müller Rivera held several positions in public administration and the judiciary after his parliamentary career. He served as head of the Social Welfare Department of the General Directorate of Investigations from 1 May 1942 to 30 June 1945, and as legal counsel to the Central Cabinet of the Civil Registry from 1 July 1945 to 30 April 1948.[1]
He later served as Public Defender in Talcahuano in 1954, Judge of Calbuco in 1958, and Judge of Bulnes in 1959. He retired from public service on 21 March 1960.[1]
He was also Secretary and Councillor of the Bar Association of Tarapacá.[1]