It will be President Luis Abinader’s final rendition of accounts for his 2020-2024 term that ends on 16 August 2024. The President is seeking reelection in the 19 May 2024 presidential election.
On 27 February, the present Congress starts its last legislature period. Political analysts have little expectations for the workload of the legislators, that are expected to put aside their legislative duties as many of these are seeking reelection or will be involved in the political campaigns of colleagues and presidential candidates.
Regardless, on 27 February, the 222 legislators (32 senators and 190 deputies) who make up the Legislative Branch who had begun their four-year term on 16 August 2020 are summoned for the traditional act of accountability. Also invited to be present at the National Assembly for the rendition of accounts are around 40 representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the country. These will join government ministers and other special guests.
The Dominican Constitution establishes that it is the responsibility of the President of the Republic to report annually on 27 of February to the National Congress on the budgetary, financial and management administration of the previous year. The President traditionally takes advantage of the event to give an explanatory message of the macroeconomic and fiscal projections, the expected economic, financial and social results, and the priorities the government intends to execute within the National Budget Law approved for the current year.
The speech will also be a reelection bid, albeit probably toned down. Despite the landslide victory of his political party, the PRM, President Abinader has been calling the winners of mayor seats in the 18 February 2024 to get to work in favor of the presidential and congressional win in the 19 May 2024 presidential and congressional elections.
The President has pointed out that the victories in the nation’s main cities and provinces have made him more humble and more committed to his efforts. He has called for a commitment to the betterment of the lives of the constituents, honesty, and transparency in the various municipal governments.
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Diario Libre
Listin Diario
26 February 2024