First presidency of José Antonio Páez
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The first presidency of José Antonio Páez (1831–1835) marked Venezuela's inaugural administration as an independent nation following its separation from Gran Colombia through the separatist movement known as La Cosiata, which occurred in the aftermath of the War of Independence.
The Páez administration established the judicial and legislative framework of the newly created republic[1] and enacted the 1830 Constitution. In foreign policy, Páez negotiated the Michelena-Pombo Treaty with New Granada (modern-day Colombia).
After losing the subsequent election to José María Vargas, following the failed candidacy of his preferred successor, Carlos Soublette, Páez peacefully transferred power,[2] though he would remain a dominant political figure for over two decades.[3]
José Antonio Páez, a political opponent of Simón Bolívar and advocate for ending Gran Colombia, rose to power with the backing of the Conservative Oligarchy.[4] In September 1830, the Congress of Valencia formally declared Venezuela's separation from Colombia.[5] Páez won the 1831 presidential election with 136 votes (86.07% of the total).[6]
Inauguration
On 11 April 1831, José Antonio Páez was sworn in as constitutional President of Venezuela. In his inaugural address, he declared:[7]
"The truth is that one of the finest periods in our history is now beginning, particularly in terms of the political and moral organization of the Republic. Prudence, firmness, integrity, a shrewd understanding of the impossibility of immediately breaking away from military leadership, yet coupled with a resolute determination to restrain it; a diligent and consistent enthusiasm for establishing an effective public administration and balancing liberty with order, these were the virtues of that generation, which succeeded in transforming the dissolution of Colombia, begun under such grim circumstances, into a patriotic and legalist movement..."
