President Leonel Fernández announced last night on television that his government is not promoting a reform of the Constitution that would permit his re-election. Presidential re-election was banned in the constitutional reform of 1994. President Fernández said he will not seek re-election. The government announced it will send to Congress a bill that eliminates non-tariff obstacles to foreign commerce that are contained in 29 laws, many dating to the days of Dictator Trujillo. The government will also send to Congress a group of economic and social measures. Among the measures that the government seeks congressional approval is one that would compensate for the reduction in government income as a result of the lowering of import tariffs. President Leonel Fernández, in a televised speech, last night said he would be introducing a bill to promote exports, the general customs bill, a bill that would eliminate all taxes for equipment and machinery for small and medium-sized industries, among other measures to help increase competitiveness of Dominican production.
