Miguel Reyes Sánchez releases new book on Joaquín Balaguer

Historian Miguel Reyes Sánchez, president of the Dominican Academy of History, has released his latest book, titled ‘Balaguer muy de cerca: testimonio de la cotidianidad del poder’. The work was presented at the National Library Pedro Henríquez Ureña in Santo Domingo.

The book examines the daily operations and political dynamics surrounding Joaquín Balaguer, a central figure in 20th-century Dominican politics who served seven terms as president. Through 65 chapters, Reyes Sánchez utilizes his firsthand experiences as a witness and participant within the National Palace to present previously unknown details and anecdotes regarding Balaguer’s leadership and personality.

The presentation included contributions from Amelia Reyes Mora, journalist Miguel Guerrero, and historian José Báez Guerrero. Báez Guerrero noted the book’s significant contribution to Dominican historiography, praising the author’s ability to discreetly capture the intimate aspects of the former president’s life and the exercise of power.