Elías Wessin y Wessin and Joaquín Balaguer reconciliation details

Political leader Elías Wessin Chávez has shared details regarding the political evolution of his father, General Elías Wessin y Wessin, and former President Joaquín Balaguer. After years of intense confrontation during the period known as the ‘Twelve Years’, the two figures transitioned from adversaries to allies starting around 1984.

Wessin Chávez noted that the reconciliation was facilitated by intermediaries, specifically citing a meeting between the General and Laita Balaguer, the sister of the former leader. This shift in relationship eventually led to the General holding key government positions, including the Ministry of Interior and Police and the Secretariat of State for the Armed Forces.

The historical tension dated back to the late 1960s. Following the events of April 1965, the General was sent into exile. Although he later encouraged followers to vote for Balaguer in 1966 in hopes of returning to the country, the delay in his authorized return contributed to the formation of the Quisqueyano Democratic Party (PQD) in 1967.