Juan Larrea (politician)

Juan Larrea (November 24, 1782 – June 20, 1847) was a Spanish and Argentine merchant and politician. He played a significant role in the May Revolution, which led to Argentina's independence.

Born in Mataró, Catalonia, Spain, Larrea emigrated to Buenos Aires in the late 18th century and established himself as a successful merchant. He was a member of the Buenos Aires cabildo (city council) and actively participated in the political debates leading up to the May Revolution of 1810.

Larrea was a strong advocate for independence from Spain and was elected as a member of the Primera Junta, the first autonomous government of Argentina, established on May 25, 1810. He held the position of secretary of the Junta. He was subsequently a member of the Junta Grande and later held various administrative and financial positions within the government, including Minister of Finance.

After facing political challenges and exile for a period, Larrea returned to Argentina and continued to be involved in political affairs, though less prominently. He eventually settled in Montevideo, Uruguay, where he died. He is considered a Founding Father of Argentina and is remembered for his contribution to the country's independence movement.