Santo Domingo.- Former Dominican President Leonel Fernández celebrates his 71st birthday today, December 26, receiving congratulations from political figures, cultural icons, and media personalities. Fernández, a key figure in Dominican politics, serves as president for three terms (1996–2000, 2004–2008, and 2008–2012) under the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), which he also chairs.
Renowned both nationally and internationally, Fernández is considered one of Latin America’s most influential politicians. His contributions extend beyond the Dominican Republic through his involvement in international organizations and advisory roles for regional governments, solidifying his reputation as a strategic thinker and public policy expert.
Born in Santo Domingo in 1953, Fernández first assumes the presidency at age 43, following a historic alliance between the PLD and the Social Christian Reformist Party (PRSC). Beyond politics, he is also an accomplished writer, with publications on politics, economics, and development, leaving a lasting legacy on the Dominican Republic and the broader region.