About
Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de León is a Mexican economist and politician who served as the 61st president of Mexico from 1994 to 2000. He was the last president from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) to hold the office after 71 years of uninterrupted rule. Zedillo is often credited as the "Father of Modern Democracy in Mexico" for his non-interventionist policies that allowed for a transparent election in 2000.
Career Timeline
Presidential Candidate Emerges
Became the PRI's presidential candidate after Colosio's assassination, quickly elevating his profile.
Elected President of Mexico
Elected President of Mexico, marking a turning point in Mexican history.
PRI Loses Presidency
Allows fair elections and his party loses, leading to Mexico's first peaceful democratic transition of power.
Joins Yale Faculty
Joins Yale University as a professor and director of the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization.
Serves on Corporate Boards
Serves on the boards of various international corporations and organizations.
Global Statesman Role
Remains a respected global figure, speaking at events and advising on international affairs.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026