BUENOS AIRES – Argentina’s former president Carlos Menem, in office from 1989 to 1999, died on Sunday at the age of 90, sources inside Buenos Aires’ Los Arcos hospital, where he was admitted on Dec. 15, confirmed to EFE.

Menem was initially hospitalized for a prostate check, but was diagnosed with a urinary infection that complicated underlying heart problems.

He was placed into an induced coma on Dec. 24 following kidney failure. He was later brought out of the coma and was reportedly improving.

Menem, who was an attorney, served as president for two consecutive terms for a decade, having been the governor of his home-province La Rioja between 1973-1976.

He was arrested after a coup that led to the military dictatorship between 1976-1983. He resumed his position in La Rioja until his successful presidential bid in 1989.