José María Linares (July 10, 1810, Potosi - 1861, Valparaiso, Chile) was a Bolivian politician.
Linares studied in La Paz, and graduated as doctor in laws in 1835. In his early life he began to take part in politics, being called to important public places, including membership of the commission to form a code of laws for Bolivia. In 1839 he was called by General Velasco to take charge of the portfolio of the interior, and after this was sent as minister to Spain, where he negotiated the treaty for the recognition of the independence of Bolivia. In 1848, as president of the senate, he was called, during the absence of Velasco, to take charge provisionally of the executive, and he was soon the acknowledged leader of the "Rejenerador" party.
Linares was the first civil president of Bolivia. He understood in his way, the most appropriate form of accomplish whit his political obligation. Elected in 1857 by a large majority, his administration was one of the most energetic and honest that the country had seen.
He introduced many reforms, and vigorously attacked the abuses that had crept into the public administration; but his course made him enemies, and in 1861 he was overthrown by a revolution that was favored by his own cabinet, and banished to Chile, where he died.
