Rodolfo Hernández Suárez, born on March 26, 1945, is a Colombian politician, civil engineer, and entrepreneur. He rose to prominence as the mayor of Bucaramanga from 2016 to 2019. Hernández, a civil engineer by profession, founded HG Constructora, focusing on affordable housing in the Bucaramanga area.
Rodolfo Hernández biography
Despite business success, Hernández’s life has been marred by personal tragedy, including the kidnapping of his father by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP) and the presumed death of his daughter Juliana at the hands of the National Liberation Army (ELN).
In politics, Hernández initially aligned with the Colombian Liberal Party, serving as a local councillor for Piedecuesta in the early 1990s. He gained national attention for his unorthodox methods as mayor of Bucaramanga, including weekly Facebook broadcasts and public clashes with city councillors. Despite the controversy, he garnered significant popularity, with an approval rating of 84% upon leaving office.
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Running as an independent candidate, Hernández entered the 2022 Colombian presidential election, advocating against corruption and emphasizing his entrepreneurial background. Despite finishing second in the initial round, he ultimately lost to Gustavo Petro in the runoff.
Following his presidential bid, Hernández briefly served as a senator but resigned, citing incompatibility with the role. He then shifted focus to establishing Liga, a political party aimed at challenging the traditional political establishment. The National Electoral Council granted Liga party status in August 2022, with Hernández assuming the role of president.
Hernández’s political positions have drawn both praise and criticism, with his views on social issues, economics, and governance often sparking controversy. Despite setbacks, Hernández remains a significant figure in Colombian politics, continuing to advocate for change and reform.