Top 11 Quotes & Sayings by Francois Duvalier

Explore popular quotes and sayings by a Haitian politician Francois Duvalier.

Last updated on September 30, 2024.

François Duvalier, also known as Papa Doc, was a Haitian politician who served as the President of Haiti from 1957 to 1971. He was elected president in the 1957 general election on a populist and black nationalist platform. After thwarting a military coup d'état in 1958, his regime rapidly became more autocratic and despotic. An undercover government death squad, the Tonton Macoute, indiscriminately killed Duvalier's opponents; the Tonton Macoute was thought to be so pervasive that Haitians became highly fearful of expressing any form of dissent, even in private. Duvalier further sought to solidify his rule by incorporating elements of Haitian mythology into a personality cult.

Haitian - Politician | April 14, 1907 - April 21, 1971

Source: Wikipedia

The people of Haiti have always called me Papa Doc. I was first their doctor. Now I am also their president for life.

Francois Duvalier

I know the Haitian people - because I am the Haitian people.

Francois Duvalier

The chief of the tribe is supposed to be the father of all people of the tribe. That is the Haitian way.

Francois Duvalier

It is not a question of whether I believe in voodoo. I am a scholar and, as such, I have studied the concept of voodoo. I have created the faculty of Afro-Haitian ethnology in our university where the concept of voodoo is taught. Voodoo is not superstition. It is a philosophy, a conception of God.

Francois Duvalier

As revolutionary, I have no right to disregard the voice of the people.

Francois Duvalier

I am the Haitian flag. He who is my enemy is the enemy of the fatherland.

Francois Duvalier

Revolutions are not made with literature. Revolutions equal gunfire.

Francois Duvalier

I know the Haitian people because I am the Haitian people.

Francois Duvalier

Communism has established centres of infection... No area in the world is as vital to American security as the Caribbean...We need a massive injection of money to reset the country on its feet, and this injection can come only from our great, capable friend and neighbor the United States.

Francois Duvalier

God and the people are the source of all power. I have twice been given the power. I have taken it, and damn it, I will keep it forever.

Francois Duvalier

I accept the people's will. As a revolutionary, I have no right to disregard the will of the people.

Francois Duvalier