The three leading transport companies are now seeking to receive part of the millions in funding to political parties distributed by the Central Electoral Board (JCE). This would be in addition to billions in subsidies they have finagled from the government over the years, as reported in Diario Libre.
Antonio Marte of Conatra has created a political party called the Movimiento Primero La Gente (MPG). Diario Libre reports that as of July this year his company has received RD$373.93 million in fuel subsidies. Since December 2007, the organization has received subsidies worth RD$2.34 billion.
Blas Peralta of cargo company Fenatrado has created the Partido de la Esperanza Nacional (PEN). As of July 2014, Fenatrado had received RD$244.2 million in fuel subsidies. Since December 2007 it has received RD$1.6 billion.
Juan Hubieres is already a deputy for the province of Monte Plata and is seeking recognition for his Movimiento Rebelde party. He is the president of the Fenatrano transport union that controls most of the minibuses in Santo Domingo. The company received RD$244.2 million in subsidies since July. From December 2007, he has received RD$1.53 billion in subsidies.
Political analyst Freddy Angel Castro says that the political parties operate to defend business interests. The transport leaders oppose a reduction in public transport fares. Castro commented that this goes against the political aspirations of the transport business owners.
Generous National Budget allotments have turned politics into the most lucrative business in the Dominican Republic.
http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias/2014/11/18/i887241_empresarios-del-transporte-ahora-van-tras-subsidio-electoral-con-creacin-partidos.html