Darío: The Personal Secretary and Global Envoy of Carlos Ibañez del Campo

Darío Sainte-Marie had a close and influential relationship with Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, the President of Chile. Sainte-Marie served as a trusted advisor and personal secretary to Ibáñez, playing a key role in his political circle. His influence extended to various levels of the Chilean government, where he helped secure important positions for his associates, including his brother, Pablo Sainte-Marie, who served in significant governmental roles.

Sainte-Marie was instrumental in supporting Ibáñez’s political agenda, particularly through his work in journalism. In 1954, with Ibáñez’s backing, he founded the influential newspaper Clarín, which became a prominent voice in Chile. The publication was established as a counterpoint to left-leaning media and became an important tool for promoting Ibáñez's policies and political ideology.

Their relationship was not only professional but also personal, with Sainte-Marie’s residence, “Casa de Piedra” in San José de Maipo, becoming a key meeting place for political figures, including Ibáñez himself. This close-knit relationship helped solidify Sainte-Marie's position as a central figure in Chilean politics during that era.