He former governor of the state of Lara, Orlando José Fernández Medina, He died on Tuesday at the age of 80, in his native Yaritagua, after an illness that affected his health during the last few years.
Fernández Medina was born on January 4, 1945. He began his professional life in the Venezuelan Air Force, but later joined social activities as a community leader, published The Impulse. His approach to leftist movements led him to participate in the Movement towards Socialism, party in which he developed his political career.
He was a councilor, deputy to the Legislative Assembly, deputy to the National Congress and senator. In 1995 he was elected governor of the state of Lara, a position for which he was re-elected in 1998, remaining in office until 2000.
According to the regional media, during his years in state power he promoted security operations and local policies aimed at controlling crime. Subsequently distanced himself from the political movement led by Hugo Chávez, with whom he had differences after having supported him in his first campaigns.
In addition to his political career, Fernández Medina was a journalist and broadcaster, member of the National College of Journalists. Hosted radio programs The Character and If the singer is silent through Radio Cristal, a station later closed.
