Dr. Leonel Fernández Launches Book Collection in Santiago: “Democracy, Modernity and Progress”

President of Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (Funglode), and former president of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Leonel Fernández, launched Wednesday night a compilation of political speeches delivered during his three presidential terms, previously launched in Santo Domingo last February.

"Democracy, modernity and progress: speech of President Leonel Fernández", is the title
of the collection of four volumes published by the publishing house Funglode and prefaced by the journalist Rafael Núñez, who was director of communications during Fernández governments.

A crowded Gran Teatro Regional del Cibao hosted the event, attended by Congressmen, renowned businessmen, and friends of the former head of state.

After a discussion with the prominent lawyer Cesar Pina Toribio and the journalist Laura Castellanos, Fernández signed books for the audience. The discussion panel, Fernández, Castellanos and Pina Toribio, addressed major aspects of the efforts of the former President, as well as the contexts
in which the speeches were drafted and delivered.

During the Q&A session, Fernández explained the techniques used for his speeches and how nowadays the elaboration of dissertations is left to specialized staff, pointing that it is a modern trend given the little time available to the leaders to write their own speeches. He clarified, however, that he feels more comfortable writing his own speeches, since reading and using the right intonation comes easier during
the delivery.

Prior to the discussion, a video about Fernández mandates, which included cuts of some of his speeches and interviews, such as a conversation with former U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House, in which the latter praises the former Dominican President, was presented to the audience.

The book collection includes inaugural speeches, as well as interventions in international forums, including the United Nations.

At
the end of the ceremony, the former President signed books to attendees and thanked them for attending. The next book launch will be held at the end of April in New York City.