Political commentator Orlando Gil writes on Saturday in the Listin Diario that the issue of the government appointing more deputy ministers than those established by law per ministry is hurting the government’s image. Gil emphasizes that President Leonel Fernandez had pointed out that his government would only appoint those established by law, but in practice this has not been the case, and the positions have been filled with PLD appointees, regardless of whether they surpass those established by law. Gil says that since Fernandez made the announcement in his inaugural speech, and used this issue as a example of the austerity in his government, the failure to apply the measure affects his credibility. He comments that his predecessor, Mejia had boasted he was a man of his word, to be latter known more for the many time that he failed to keep his word to the Dominican people. He says Fernandez may soon be regarded in the same light if he does not take care. Gil comments on the multiple cases of appointments of deputy ministers that do not have offices in the ministries and that furthermore have been rejected by the ministers themselves. “The anecdotes abound, and the overabundance of deputy ministers are now being seem as unfounded, but are motive of much jesting among the population. At one time, this will have a political cost,” he wrote.