Who was?

Darío Sainte-Marie Soruco (1906-1982) was a prominent Bolivian-Chilean journalist and businessman, known for his work in journalism and his influence on Chilean politics. Born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, he became a Chilean citizen and graduated in Law from the University of Chile. Throughout his career, Sainte-Marie held public positions in both Chile and abroad and played a key role in various media outlets, including founding and directing major magazines and newspapers.

He founded and directed La Revista Hoy and Zig-Zag, worked for the Associated Press in New York, and contributed to the evening newspaper Última Hora. In 1954, he became the director of La Nación and in 1956 acquired the Clarín newspaper, making it one of the most influential newspapers in Chile with a daily circulation of 250,000 copies.

Sainte-Marie was also a close advisor to President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo and played a key role in Salvador Allende's 1970 presidential election, helping his long-time friend reach the presidency. However, once Allende took office, they began to drift apart, and Sainte-Marie moved to Spain, where he lived until his death in 1982.

His pseudonym, Volpone, became synonymous with sharp political commentary, particularly against right-wing politicians and El Mercurio newspaper. He was a leftist without formal affiliation and a staunch defender of media independence, known for his direct and biting style.