Dominican Republic political history: Reflections on 14 presidents

Journalist Oscar López Reyes reflects on his professional experiences interacting with 14 presidents of the Dominican Republic between 1977 and 2026. His accounts span various political eras, including the period following the assassination of dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina and the 1965 constitutionalist revolution.

The first installment of his reflections focuses on Nicolás Pichardo (1913–2006). Pichardo served as a member of the Council of State led by Joaquín Balaguer in early 1962 and later as Vice President of the Republic in a second Council of State led by Rafael Filiberto Bonelly. Recognized for his political neutrality and credibility, Pichardo played a mediating role during the country's transition toward democracy. His previous roles included serving as the director of the Padre Billini hospital and Secretary of State for Social Welfare in 1948.