Raquel Arbaje, who will be the Dominican Republic’s First Lady as of 16 August, is clear about what she wants to do and what she does not want to as the country’s next First Lady. She has said the mega-budget and large undertakings ascribed to the Office of the First Lady are better off allocated to other government departments. At present, the Office of the First Lady has an annual budget of RD$900 million.
She said she is aware that more than 600 people are on the First Lady Office payroll. “I don’t criticize it because each person has his or her own stamp, but I am satisfied with a staff of six people,” she said.
In her opinion, freedom of the press, efficiency in spending, and dignified management of the state are essential. She said she and her husband are considering not having the inaugural party at the Presidential Palace. How are we going to be celebrating when there is so much need and so many people have died, she asked.
She says she doesn’t want to always dress elegantly. She says she enjoys being close to the people. “I want the government to function, not to show off myself,” she said.
She said she wants to work with programs to enable more Dominicans to have a decent roof over their heads and with people with psychiatric problems.
However, she says she is willing to serve the country from wherever she is asked. “I’m waiting now for my President to tell me, because I love it when he says, ‘I need you.”
Follow the story in Spanish:
Carolina Santana: La Gran Pregunta
Noticias SIN
16 July 2020