Milagros Ortiz Bosch: first female vice president of the Dominican Republic and advocate for transparency

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Milagros María Ortiz Bosch, known only as Milagros Ortiz Bosch, was born on August 23, 1936 in Santo Domingo, is a prominent Dominican lawyer, politician, businesswoman, and educator, recognized as the first woman to hold the vice presidency of the Dominican Republic, a position she held between 2000 and 2004 alongside President Hipólito Mejía. Her public life has been marked by a commitment to democracy, transparency, and the institutional strengthening of the country.

Who is Milagros Ortiz Bosch?

Ortiz Bosch holds a doctorate cum laude in Law and a postgraduate degree in Political Science. In addition to her university education, she has been a postgraduate professor at the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña and director of Cultural Promotion and Public Relations at UASD. In her communication role, she was co-producer of the program “Los Dirigentes”, along with José Francisco Peña Gómez, and director of the Santo Domingo Carnival, demonstrating her interest in culture and political thought.

Beginnings in Politics

Influenced by her uncle, former president and historical leader Juan Bosch, Milagros Ortiz Bosch began her political life in the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), standing out in 1962 as part of the organization of the Caravan of Freedom, promoting the slogan “start anew” after the end of the Trujillo dictatorship.

Senator and Vice President of the Republic

She was elected senator of the National District in two consecutive terms: 1994-1998 and 1998-2000. During her first term she was part of the National Council of the Magistracy, participating in the selection of judges of the Supreme Court of Justice. Upon winning the vice presidency in the year 2000, he also assumed the Secretariat of Education, where he led a profound educational reform:
  • Signed agreements with the IDB for educational programs.
  • Promoted the Strategic Education Development Plan 2003-2012.
  • Established the Decentralized Education Boards.
  • Created the INAFOCAM and reorganized the normal schools.
  • Implemented the TRANSPARENCY software to make the ministry’s administrative operations public.
  • Organized the first national school infrastructure census.
  • Established the Teacher Contest as the only way to enter the education system.
During her tenure, she was also interim president of the Republic on 41 occasions, making key decisions on corruption and public administration issues.
Milagros Ortiz Bosch
Milagros Ortiz Bosch

Political Participation and Ethical Leadership

In 2007, he participated in the PRD primaries, obtaining 20% against Miguel Vargas Maldonado’s 80%. Despite the defeat, he joined the presidential campaign and directed the campaign in the National District. In the 2010 elections, she ran again for senator for the PRD, being defeated by Reinaldo Pared Pérez, of the PLD.

Commitment to Public Ethics

After the 2020 elections, President Luis Abinader appointed her as General Director of Ethics and Governmental Integrity, with direct responsibility for policies of transparency, the fight against corruption, and ethical governance in public administration.

Personal Life

Milagros Ortiz Bosch was married to the Argentinian Joaquín Basanta, with whom she had her only child, the renowned Dominican filmmaker Juan Basanta. Her life has been an example of perseverance, integrity, and public service.

Technical Sheet: Milagros Ortiz Bosch

  • Full name: Milagros María Ortiz Bosch
  • Date of birth: August 23, 1936
  • Place of birth: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
  • Nationality: Dominican
  • Profession: Lawyer, politician, businesswoman, and educator
  • Academic degrees:
    • Doctorate cum laude in Law
    • Postgraduate in Political Science

Prominent Public Positions

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