The government of President Luis Abinader now has named three ministers without portfolio, following the recent appointment of Deligne Alberto Ascensión Burgo, as part of a reshuffle announced on Sunday, 2 February 2025, N Digital reports. Ascención would be leaving his post at the Ministry of Public Works as of 26 February.
N Digital explains that in addition to Ascensión, two other officials remain in similar positions: Roberto Fulcar, the former Education Minister, and José Leonel (Neney) Cabrera, tasked with overseeing the implementation of government public policy goals. Cabrera was removed from the Special Projects (Propeep) agency of the Presidency. Both Fulcar and Cabrera were removed from their posts amidst continuing media reports of corruption in office.
This restructuring follows the 10 January 2025 dismissal of Miguel Mejía, who had served as the Minister without Portfolio for Regional Integration Policies in the Dominican Republic.
N Digital explains that a minister without portfolio is a government official who does not head a specific ministry or government entity. Instead, they are tasked with carrying out functions assigned by the President, which are distinct from the responsibilities of other state institutions. Despite not overseeing any particular area, they participate in Cabinet meetings and contribute to key decision-making processes.
Deligne Alberto Ascensión’s appointment was formalized through decree number 48-25, signed by President Abinader, with an effective date of 26 February 2025. Speculation regarding Ascensión’s potential resignation from his position as Minister of Public Works and Communications, which he has held since August 2020, circulated last week but was promptly denied by the ministry.
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N Digital
4 February 2025