Dr. Leonel Fernández was sworn in as President of the Dominican Republic on 16 August after winning the presidential run-off on 30 June. In his speech before a joint session of Congress, together with other key political figures and dignitaries of more than 80 nations, President Fernández pledged to preside over an aggressive central government that would work with the opposition-controlled Congress to confront the most pressing problems of the nation.
Some of the themes touched upon were the D.R.’s participation in the emerging global economy in the aftermath of the Cold War, the need to update the nation’s knowledge and use of modern technology in the areas of production and communication. The passing of the General Electricity Law, the privatization of state-controlled industries and the reform of the judicial system were issues raised in the context of cooperation with the opposition parties. The fight against poverty, the development of public education and adequate housing were all mentioned as common goals of all political parties, for which Dr. Fernández called on the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD) and the Partido Reformista Social Cristiano (PRSC) to give their collaboration.
As an example of the “govern ability” of a nation with the executive and legislative powers divided among opposing, President Fernández alluded to the United States presidencies of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Bill Clinton, all of whom have had to face legislatures controlled by the opposition, but have been able to govern.
The election of President Fernández marks the beginning of a new era in government in the D.R., “the Fernández Era.” It is the first time the Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD), founded by former President Juan Bosch, occupies the presidency. There is also a marked age difference between President Fernández, 42, and his predecessor Dr. Joaquín Balaguer, who will turn 90 on 1 September. Ex-President Balaguer had been in power for 10 years, and had spent a total of 22 years in the National Palace since 1966, in addition to his time as President under dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.