Minister of the Presidency and PRM President Jose Ignacio Paliza has addressed criticisms made by Chamber of Deputies President Alfredo Pacheco for using his podium as president of the legislative chamber to protest the removal of “compañeritos” (little party members) from high-paying government positions. Paliza said when interviewed for Despierta con CDN (Chanel 37), downplayed the complaint. Nevertheless, he said that while from a political standpoint, Pacheco’s political concerns may be valid, the “timing and venue were inappropriate.”
President Luis Abinader has not responded to the complaint publicly, especially given that he has not resumed his weekly La Semanal press conference after the break for the holidays.
The removals resulted from the shifts and changes made by President Luis Abinader in Decrees 2 and 3 of 2026
During the session of Friday, 9 January 2026, Pacheco blasted the President for the changes that subsequently lead to removal of others in the government institutions. Pacheco condemned the appointment of non-party officials, claiming they are systematically purging members (compañeritos) of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM).
During the Friday session, Pacheco condemned the appointment of non-party officials who he claims are systematically purging members of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM).
Visible with anger, the legislative leader revealed he had personally confronted President Abinader on Thursday night, informing the head of state that he “does not and will not understand” the decision to favor outsiders over loyal party members.
Pacheco’s remarks signaled a significant rift within the PRM’s top brass. He positioned himself as a defender of the party’s rank-and-file, stating he was prepared to lose his leadership position rather than remain quiet while party militants are dismissed.
“I energetically protest this situation,” Pacheco declared. “Mr. President, you are my leader, but I do not understand you. If this costs me my post, let it. I will not stay silent.”
While avoiding specific names, Pacheco directed his ire toward newly appointed officials he described as “opportunists” and “upstarts” (arribistas). He accused these individuals of hopping from one administration to the next and manipulating the President’s desire for efficient governance to make themselves appear “indispensable.”
Pacheco argued that these appointments bruise the foundation of the party that built the current government. He rejected the notion that PRM members are technically inferior, asserting that many have “burned the midnight oil” at universities to balance political activism with professional expertise.
In his complaint, he did not mention the government positions, with the exception of the removals in the Tax Agency.
Hoy reports that the catalyst for this public outburst appears to be recent turnover at the Tax Agency (DGII). Following Decree 2-26, Pedro Porfirio Urrutia was sworn in as the new director on Wednesday, replacing Luis Valdez, a prominent PRM leader who had held the post since 2020.
Pacheco specifically denounced the subsequent firing of PRM militants within the tax agency. “Why do they have to take everyone out?” he questioned. “When we had no one to write for us, when we were being mocked, those people who were canceled yesterday were the ones who were there for us.”
Pacheco argued that these appointments bruise the foundation of the party that built the current government. He rejected the notion that PRM members are technically inferior, asserting that many have “burned the midnight oil” at universities to balance political activism with professional expertise.
The Chamber President concluded with a warning to the new appointees, cautioning that in their attempt to “dress one saint,” they are “undressing another.”
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Alfredo Pacheco statements
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DR1 News
14 January 2026