[1] Alexis was nominated as prime minister by Préval on 16 July 1998, following congressional rejections of three prior nominees that had resulted in a year-long political crisis.

[5][6] Opposition parties accused Préval of having staged a bloodless coup and considered Alexis an illegitimate prime minister.

[9] His stated policy objectives included the restoration of security in the country and the provision of basic services to citizens.

[11] Riots broke out in early April 2008 regarding high food prices, and Alexis announced an investment program designed to lower the cost of living.

The letter described Alexis's proposals to resolve the economic crisis as "too little, too late" and said that "it is obvious that the majority of the people don't believe any more in the capacity of your government to take courageous measures to ease the misery that the population is facing daily.