 |
Hoakin BalagerStatesman and political figure of the Dominican Republic.
Date of Birth: 01.09.1906
Country:  Dominican r. |
Content:
- Joaquín Balaguer: Life and Presidency of a Dominican Statesman
- Vice President and President (1957-1962)
- Return to Presidency (1966-1978)
- Later Presidencies (1986-1996)
- Legacy
Joaquín Balaguer: Life and Presidency of a Dominican Statesman
Early Life and CareerJoaquín Balaguer Ricardo was born on September 1, 1906, in Naverreta (present-day Villa Bisono), Dominican Republic. He pursued law and entered diplomatic and government service in 1932. His political ascent included serving as a member of the National Congress and secretary to the president.
Vice President and President (1957-1962)
In 1955, Balaguer became Minister of Education and Arts. He was elected vice president in 1957 and served until 1960. Following Hector Trujillo's resignation due to illness, Balaguer became president in August 1960. However, due to Rafael Trujillo's continued control, his presidency was largely ceremonial.
After Trujillo's assassination, Balaguer attempted to liberalize the government. However, he faced opposition from both Trujillo supporters and the general population. In 1961, he resigned and went into exile in the United States.
Return to Presidency (1966-1978)
After the 1965 U.S. intervention, Balaguer returned to the Dominican Republic. He founded the Reformist Party in 1964 and was elected president in 1966 under military occupation. Balaguer facilitated American investment in the country's economy, but his later terms were marred by political instability and electoral irregularities. He lost the 1978 election to Antonio Guzmán Fernández.
Later Presidencies (1986-1996)
Balaguer reclaimed the presidency in 1986 as the candidate of the Reformist Social Christian Party. He was reelected in 1990 and 1994. During his tenure, he initiated an extensive public works program that led to a substantial internal debt. He was forced to cut short his 1994-1998 term after international observers questioned the legitimacy of his reelection, and Leonel Fernández of the Dominican Liberation Party won the 1996 election.
Legacy
Joaquín Balaguer died on July 14, 2002. He is remembered as a controversial figure who held power for over three decades. His policies influenced the political and economic landscape of the Dominican Republic, but they also contributed to its internal divisions.
