10 world leaders who barely had time to lead
Throughout history, some world leaders have had remarkably brief tenures, often due to extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances.
This article explores ten such leaders who barely had time to make their mark before their time in power was suddenly cut short.
King Louis XIX
King Louis XIX of France reigned for just 20 minutes on August 2, 1830. He abdicated almost immediately after his father, Charles X, due to pressure from a revolutionary uprising.
Pedro Lascuráin
Pedro Lascuráin holds the record for the shortest presidency in history, serving for 45 minutes on February 19, 1913. He was appointed president during a coup and quickly resigned to allow General Victoriano Huerta to take over.
Siaka Stevens
Siaka Stevens became Prime Minister of Sierra Leone on March 21, 1967, but was overthrown in an hour. He later regained power and served as President for 17 years.
Hezekiah Ochuka
Hezekiah Ochuka led a coup in Kenya on August 1, 1982, and ruled for about six hours before being overthrown. His brief rule ended with his execution for treason.
Magdalena Andersson
Magdalena Andersson, Sweden’s first female Prime Minister, served for only 7 hours before resigning following a budget defeat. She later returned with a new coalition.
Carlos Luz
Carlos Luz held Brazil's presidency for just three days in 1955 before facing impeachment due to his attempt to dismiss a prominent minister.
Frank Forde
Frank Forde served as Prime Minister of Australia for only eight days in July 1945, following the death of John Curtin. He was succeeded by Ben Chifley.
Lady Jane Grey
Lady Jane Grey, known as the "Nine Days' Queen," was declared queen of England on July 10, 1553. She was deposed by Mary I and executed the following year.
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States, served the shortest term of any U.S. president, dying of pneumonia just 32 days after his inauguration in 1841.
Liz Truss
Liz Truss resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after just 44 days in office in October 2022, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in British history.
