Dominican ex-president Leonel Fernández: 'Polls don't yet send me to retirement'

Former Dominican President Leonel Fernández, who served from 1996 to 2012, indicated that he has not ruled out a presidential run in 2028. Fernández, currently leading his party Fuerza del Pueblo with over 40% in polls, stated that the surveys do not suggest he should retire from politics.

Fernández, who founded Fuerza del Pueblo in 2019, expressed pride in the party's rapid growth and its ability to connect with the Dominican people. He suggested that "the winds are blowing in favor" of his party, implying a strong position for the upcoming elections. While he did not explicitly confirm his candidacy, he stated that "circumstances will define" his decision.

Speaking to EFE in Madrid, Fernández also addressed the global trend of right-wing shifts in various countries, including some in Latin America. He characterized this as a cyclical electoral phenomenon, influenced by factors like social media, rather than a permanent ideological change. He expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of this far-right movement, particularly in Latin America, and believes it is unlikely to gain traction in the Dominican Republic.

Fernández emphasized his commitment to the Dominican Republic's growth, peace, democracy, and opportunities, whether in government or out of it. He firmly rejected authoritarian models, asserting that they lack legality and are based on arbitrariness. He stressed the need for continuous adjustments within liberal democracy to address current realities, highlighting security as a key issue.