Commemorating the 159th anniversary of the Restoration of the Republic from Spain, President Luis Abinader spoke to the nation from the Teatro Regional del Cibao in Santiago.
Originally, the President had planned to speak outdoors from the Monumento de la Restauración, but a passing tropical wave sent the event indoors. He spoke from the theater with a supportive crowd that applauded almost every paragraph as he wrapped up much of what the government had already announced by words of the President himself, the government ministers and directors, and extensive propaganda.
The President highlighted the positive macroeconomic outlook, with record national reserves, tourism receipts, free zone exports and GDP growth of 5%. He spoke of actions to fit the country with power to support public and private sector initiatives, among other achievements.
He spoke of zero impunity for corruption in his government, stressing that social media and citizens were following government closely.
He spoke proudly of major transportation infrastructure under construction, including several works for Santiago, and that these will be completed before the end of his first term. He said the Ambar Highway to Puerto Plata was still under study to not repeat the story of the Samana toll road.
President Abinader highlighted investments in health, housing and potable water and sanitation projects.
He took advantage of the event to criticize the political opposition, mainly former President Leonel Fernandez. Abinader said his administration was building three entire extensions of the state university (UASD) nationwide with what the former ruling party, the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), then under President Leonel Fernandez, had spent to build just a parking area in the main campus of the UASD in Santo Domingo. Abinader also said the cost per kilometer of the Metro to Los Alcarrizos is 25% less than what Fernandez spent to build his metro.
Fernandez seeks to return to the Presidency in 2024, this time running for the People’s Force political party he created in 2020 when the then-ruling PLD political party did not choose him to run for President.
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Presidency
Presidential speech
Diario Libre
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Noticias SIN
Noticias SIN
17 August 2022