A special interview to President Luis Abinader was staged on Wednesday, 19 May at 9pm on Colorvisión, Channel 9. Veteran TV journalists Alicia Ortega and Huchi Lora asked the President to comment on several key issues. He gave insights into what is going on in his government.
Corruption
The President said: “The person who commits an act of corruption in this government is a pathological corrupt person, or a suicide. Whoever commits corruption and this is proven, regardless of the rank or position, will be replaced and if the circumstances require this will be sent to justice.” The President highlighted that new mechanisms are in place at the Controller General Office for early detecting of corruption in government.
Vaccinations
President explained that the contract with Pfizer was expanded to be able to include persons who have refused other vaccinations, for a third dose for Dominicans that have already had other vaccinations, and to vaccinate children 12 to 17 years of age. He said the contract stipulates that payment will not be made until the pharmaceutical guarantees the shipment arrival date.
Fiscal reform
Better government spending is key, timing needs to be right, some tax exemptions need to go, the informal sector needs to be incorporated. The plan is that talks will be in 2021 to incorporate the decisions in the 2022 budget.
Institutional reforms
The President said that 12 reforms are underway at present in his government. He mentioned among these the electricity sector, police and citizen safety, social security law, transparency in justice, health sector and education sector. He says that constitutional reform is a priority of his government and expects this to happen before his four years are up.
Three Grounds for Abortion
He reaffirmed his support to the passing of a referendum to discuss the three grounds for abortion. He said that the three grounds for abortion are a medical issue.
Education
He stressed the Dominican education model needs to incorporate more polytechnical high schools nationwide. He expects all schools to be open for in-person learning with the start of the new school year in September 2021.
Abinader interview
El Dia
El Caribe
Listin Diario
El Dia
20 May 2021