Known for his frankness and his role as “the bad guy” in municipal management, Fernández, born in Cádiz in 1947, reveals little-known aspects of his youth. He studied with the Marianists, a progressive congregation, and participated in charitable activities at the Luises house, where he also began his foray into children's entertainment.

His most surprising circus venture occurred when the Russian Circus, set up opposite the Cuesta de las Calesas in Cádiz, needed Spanish-speaking clowns. Fernández and his friend accepted the offer of 500 pesetas for three days of performances, keeping it a secret from his mother, who disapproved of his circus activities. This experience, though brief, left an indelible mark on his memory.

Before his political career, Fernández trained as a social graduate in Granada, a profession that allowed him to defend workers' rights. His firm, Flores y Fernández, was founded with Nicolás Flores, a former railway worker with a communist past and imprisoned, who profoundly influenced his social vision.

His entry into politics came in the early 1980s when he joined Alianza Popular, being elected councilor in 1983. During his 36 years in the Cádiz City Council, 12 of them in opposition, he faced challenges such as the municipal treasury's bankruptcy and the management of the 2008 crisis. He also served as president of the Eléctrica Foundation, where he refused to approve an electricity bonus he deemed illegal, despite pressure.

Fernández was a key figure during Teófila Martínez's mayorship, taking on responsibilities in Finance, Personnel, and Heritage. Despite his affiliation with the Popular Party, he has always identified with defending the most vulnerable, maintaining friendships across the political spectrum. His career culminated with a period as a senator, where, he claims, he worked hard and without remuneration.