Police and military are once again stationed outside the National Congress. The barricade was called back to protect the legislature from possible demonstrations after former President Leonel Fernández called on citizens to sign a petition against constitutional reform. Fernández has called Monday, 8 July, “D Day for the defense of democracy and the Constitution”, highlighting that there are only 18 more days for the legislature to approve the amendment. The legislature ends on 26 July. Nevertheless, President Danilo Medina could extend the legislative period.
Former President Fernández said on Sunday, 7 July 2019, that the Constitution could not be amended since the people were against this. Most polls show there is majority opposition to changing the 2015 Constitution to enable President Danilo Medina from running for a third term. This would be the second constitutional amendment rushed through Congress by Medina followers.
The police and military had been stationed in the area since 24 June, or for around 10 days. The cordoning off of the area had been lifted on Friday, 5 July, following orders from Senate president, Reinaldo Pared Pérez.
The impasse between Medina and Fernández followers has affected the country and is already showing in economic numbers and indicators. TV investigative journalist Nuria Piera used a section of her show on Saturday evening to call for President Medina to desist from his aspirations for amending the Constitution.
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9 July 2019