Abinader LF Aerodom Funds Controversy
Abinader Challenges Fernández on AERODOM Funds, Announces AILA Terminal Construction
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader directly responded to former President Leonel Fernández’s inquiries regarding the management of funds from the Dominican airports concession, Aerodom, during a luncheon hosted by the Corripio Group on Wednesday. Abinader lauded fernández’s acknowledgement of the current administration’s prosperous renegotiation with Aerodom, but swiftly turned the questioning back on his predecessor.
“How good that President Fernández recognizes the good negotiation we did with Aerodom,” Abinader stated, addressing attendees at the event. He then pointedly questioned Fernández’s handling of resources from the original concession agreement. “What I don’t know is what he did with the resources of the negotiation he signed.”
The President pressed further, expressing uncertainty about the existence of funds generated during Fernández’s administration’s negotiation. “I don’t remember if there were resources with the negotiation he did,” he remarked, leaving the audience to ponder the fate of those potential funds. This exchange marks a significant public challenge between the two prominent Dominican political figures.
AILA Expansion: Second Terminal on the horizon
Beyond the exchange with Fernández, President Abinader unveiled plans for a major upgrade to the country’s airport infrastructure. He announced that construction of the second terminal at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) will commence next week with the awarding of the first construction peak.This expansion is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to modernize and enhance the Dominican Republic’s airport capabilities, anticipating increased tourism and economic activity. The new terminal is expected to substantially increase passenger capacity and improve the overall travel experience.
Promised Reforms to be Implemented in Second Term
President Abinader also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on key campaign promises, specifically outlining plans to enact significant reforms before the conclusion of his second term. These include modifications to Law 87-01, governing the dominican Social Security System, and a comprehensive overhaul of the Labor Code.”There is the labor reform, which we hope that in the coming months it will be approved…” Abinader explained. He emphasized a collaborative approach to these crucial changes.”We are working and in this government the social security reform will be done. But that also has implications… I have a majority,but I practice consensus,I practice listening,that is democracy,and in that sense we have to get with the different sectors to a consensus.”
The President’s commitment to consensus-building signals a desire for broad support and long-term sustainability for these vital reforms, which are expected to have a profound impact on the Dominican workforce and social safety net.
Source: Newspaper Hoy