Diario Libre reports that of the budget reshuffling requested by the Ministry of Hacienda, most will go to programs directly under the Presidency of the Republic. The propaganda department directed by Homero Figueroa will get a big chunk of the resources (RD$1.83 billion) that now are allocated to the Ministry of Education in the 2022 budget. Former Minister of Education Roberto Fulcar was named to preside the National Strategy Commission of the Presidency of the Republic.
Nasser Perdomo, a Dominican Constitution expert, says the transfer of funds from the Ministry of Education violates the Constitution. The government has requested congressional clearance to cut RD$4.25 billion from the Ministry of Education budget, arguing that several programs for which the funds were allotted will not be completed in 2022.
Opposition party members have rejected the cuts to the Ministry of Education budget. The Dominican Association of Professors (ADP) that groups public school teachers is very much against the cuts.
Minister of Hacienda Jochi Vicente has argued it is not about spending more but spending well. The Ministry of Education under former Minister of Education Roberto Furcal was known for its wasteful spending and corrupt procurement. Furcal is directing the Abinader government strategic actions from the Presidency.
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Diario Libre
7 September 2022