Los 12 años de Balaguer (1966 1978) - parte 3 de 3 - DO

Summary

The transcript chronicles the political unrest in the Dominican Republic during the 1970s under President Joaquín Balaguer. Key events include the 1974 Santiago Agreement where opposition parties united against Balaguer, the assassination of journalist Orlando Martínez, and the deepening corruption within the government. The country faced an energy crisis and growing political tensions, particularly leading up to the 1978 elections. Balaguer was pressured by international forces, including the U.S., to accept electoral results, culminating in his forced negotiation with the opposition after a surprising loss. The narrative highlights the complex political landscape and Balaguer's controversial rule.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 1974, opposition parties in the Dominican Republic formed the Santiago Agreement to unite against President Balaguer.
• 😀 Balaguer's supporters attacked a caravan led by the opposition candidate, escalating tensions.
• 😀 Some neo-Trujillo military members supported Balaguer's campaign, despite it being prohibited.
• 😀 Two days before the elections, the Santiago Agreement withdrew, declaring the upcoming government illegitimate.
• 😀 The elections had the highest abstention rate to date, signaling widespread discontent.
• 😀 Balaguer faced international pressure regarding human rights abuses and political prisoners.
• 😀 Prominent journalist Orlando Martínez, an opposition figure, was assassinated in 1975.
• 😀 Martínez's brother was also murdered after revealing the names of his killers to Balaguer.
• 😀 In 1987, author Gallagher's book revealed that he knew the assassins but never disclosed their identities.
• 😀 A national outcry followed Martínez's assassination, and Balaguer appointed a new police chief in response, but internal military conflicts persisted.
• 😀 The oil crisis and rising gas prices exacerbated economic issues, contributing to widespread corruption and political instability.
• 😀 In 1976, the Catholic Church denounced corruption within the government, but Balaguer defended his regime, claiming such practices were normal in all societies.
• 😀 In 1977, Balaguer faced significant health issues and struggled with visual impairments, affecting his public appearances.
• 😀 Despite growing challenges, Balaguer sought re-election in 1978, using state resources and military involvement in his campaign.
• 😀 The opposition's victory in 1978 surprised Balaguer, leading to political negotiations over election results.
• 😀 The U.S. and other Latin American leaders pressured Balaguer to accept the electoral results, and a deal was made to stabilize the political situation.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the 1974 Santiago Agreement?

The Santiago Agreement was formed in 1974 by opposition parties in the Dominican Republic with the aim of fielding a single candidate against President Balaguer in the elections.

What violent event occurred in response to the Santiago Agreement?

In response to the Santiago Agreement, Balaguer's supporters shot at a caravan led by the opposition candidate, signaling the tensions and violence in the political landscape.

Why did the Santiago Agreement withdraw from the elections?

The Santiago Agreement withdrew from the elections two days before the vote due to ongoing provocations and threats, declaring the election results as illegitimate.

What significant event followed the withdrawal of the Santiago Agreement?

After the withdrawal, the elections saw the highest abstention rate in history at that time, reflecting public disillusionment.

How did Balaguer's government respond to international pressure regarding human rights?

Balaguer's government faced international pressure from human rights organizations and foreign governments, as his prisons were filled with political prisoners, and many opponents had to flee the country.

What happened to journalist Orlando Martínez in 1975?

Orlando Martínez, a prominent journalist and opponent of Balaguer, was murdered in 1975, allegedly by a police patrol. His death sparked national outrage.

How did Balaguer react to the assassination of Orlando Martínez?

Balaguer responded by appointing General Nívar Seijas as head of the police, but this move led to further internal conflict among military factions.

What was the economic impact of the oil crisis during Balaguer's presidency?

The oil crisis led to a sharp increase in the price of oil, resulting in energy shortages, long queues at gas stations, and worsening economic conditions, despite Balaguer's efforts to continue infrastructure projects.

How did corruption manifest during Balaguer's presidency?

Corruption became widespread during Balaguer's presidency, with accusations of bribery, extortion, and kickbacks. The Catholic Church issued a pastoral letter criticizing public officials for their involvement in corrupt practices.

What happened in the 1978 elections, and how did Balaguer react?

In the 1978 elections, the opposition won unexpectedly, catching Balaguer's supporters by surprise. Under pressure from international leaders, Balaguer reluctantly accepted the results but engaged in political maneuvering to regain control in Congress.