Minister of Defense, Admiral Sigfrido Pared Perez said the time is right for a civilian to lead the armed forces in the Dominican Republic. Interviewed on Esferas de Poder TV on Sunday, 10 August 2014, he said that ministries of Defense are already headed by civilians in most Latin American countries. He recalled that the current President of Chile, Michelle Bachelet had served as minister of Defense.
A civilian minister would be able to sit with other cabinet ministers, while a military officer is subordinate to the President according to armed forces rules.
It is thought that President Danilo Medina may announce changes to his cabinet at his government’s two-year mark, on 16 August 2014.
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