Hernando de Soto

Hernando de Soto Polar (Spanish: Hernando de Soto Polar, born June 2, 1941) is a Peruvian economist whose research focuses on gray economy and property rights. De Soto's economic doctrines were adopted by the Peruvian government, thereby weakening the popular base of the Shining Path in Peru, prompting the Shining Path leadership to move from the countryside to the cities, and eventually be arrested. His economic theories have had a huge influence on developing countries and were adopted by Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori. Winner of the 2004 Milton Friedman Freedom Award. De Soto has participated in the 2021 Peruvian election. On February 22, 2026, Peruvian President Jose Maria Balcázar appointed de Soto as Prime Minister of Peru, but later appointed Denise Miralles instead.