Ernesto Zedillo

Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León (born December 27, 1951) is a Mexican economist and politician who served as the 54th President of Mexico from 1994 to 2000. He is a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which held power in Mexico for 71 years until 2000.

Early Life and Education

Ernesto Zedillo was born in Mexico City, Mexico. He grew up in a modest family and showed an early aptitude for academics. Zedillo attended the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico, where he earned a degree in economics. He later pursued graduate studies at Yale University, where he obtained a Ph.D. in economics.

Political Career

Zedillo's political career began in the 1970s when he joined the Institutional Revolutionary Party. He held various positions in the Mexican government, including serving as the Secretary of Programming and Budget under President Carlos Salinas de Gortari.

Presidency (1994-2000)

Zedillo became the PRI's candidate for the presidency after the assassination of Luis Donaldo Colosio, the original candidate. He won the election and took office on December 1, 1994. His presidency was marked by significant economic challenges, including the Mexican peso crisis of 1994, which led to a severe economic downturn.

Zedillo implemented a series of economic reforms to stabilize the economy, including fiscal austerity measures and banking reforms. His administration also focused on political reforms, including efforts to increase electoral transparency and reduce the PRI's dominance in Mexican politics.

Post-Presidency

After leaving office, Zedillo continued to be active in international affairs and academia. He has served on various global commissions and boards, including the Global Commission on Drug Policy and the United Nations High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change.

Zedillo is also a professor at Yale University, where he directs the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization. His work focuses on globalization, economic development, and international relations.

Legacy

Ernesto Zedillo's presidency is often credited with laying the groundwork for Mexico's transition to a more democratic political system. His economic policies helped stabilize the Mexican economy, although they were initially unpopular due to the austerity measures involved.

Personal Life

Zedillo is married to Nilda Patricia Velasco, and they have five children. He is known for his academic interests and contributions to economic thought.

See Also

• Mexican peso crisis
• Institutional Revolutionary Party
• Yale University

References

• Peter H.,

 Democracy in Latin America: Political Change in Comparative Perspective, 
  
 Oxford University Press, 
 2005, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0195170139,

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