Santo Domingo. The Dominican Popular Movement (MPD) has sharply criticized the government of Luis Abinader and the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) for borrowing over $50 billion in less than five years, a move that has been colloquially dubbed the “Luis loan” by the people. This criticism was voiced during the 69th anniversary celebration of the MPD’s foundation in Havana, Cuba, where the National Spokesman, Professor Fernando Hernández, delivered the keynote address.

In his speech, Hernández highlighted the unprecedented level of borrowing by the current administration, stating, “This management of the PRM has taken more loans than all governments from the foundation of the Dominican Republic. According to public credit: as of December 31, 2024, the balance of the external and internal debt of the non-financial public sector SPNF totaled US $ 57,587.2 million, representing 46.3 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

“This management of the PRM has taken more loans than all governments from the foundation of the Dominican Republic. According to public credit: as of December 31, 2024, the balance of the external and internal debt of the non-financial public sector SPNF totaled US $ 57,587.2 million, representing 46.3 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),”

Fernando Hernández

Hernández further questioned the allocation of these funds, noting that the government has not been transparent about where the money has been spent. He emphasized the dire economic situation, stating, “We are in a very difficult economic situation. Well, the Dominican Republic is paying almost 50 % of the gross domestic product, in the payment of external debt.”

Economic Struggles and Rural Neglect

The MPD also conducted a thorough analysis of the main issues affecting the Dominican people. Hernández pointed out the stagnation of low wages for both public and private sector workers, which has left families struggling to make ends meet due to constant inflation. He described the situation as one where families are not just living, but “languishing.”

Rural areas have also been neglected, with Hernández stating, “Rural areas and their inhabitants have been abandoned to their fate, so it is not flattering and ‘paradoxically, our fields live a situation that contrasts too much with the speeches of Abinader and the officials of the officials of the agricultural sector.'”

“Rural areas and their inhabitants have been abandoned to their fate, so it is not flattering and ‘paradoxically, our fields live a situation that contrasts too much with the speeches of Abinader and the officials of the officials of the agricultural sector.'”

Fernando Hernández

Hernández also criticized the lack of protection for national producers, who are often outcompeted by imports that benefit government officials and their collaborators. He alleged that the government has allowed foreign companies to acquire thousands of tasks irregularly and fraudulently.

Corruption and Impunity

The MPD also addressed the issues of corruption and impunity, noting that while the PRM and Abinader promised to tackle these problems, their actions have fallen short. Hernández said, “The PRM and Abinader promised to face corruption and their twin sister impunity, however, they limited themselves to persecuting the officials of the last Government of Danilo, while they left with the Loose hands to the officials of Hipólito, Leonel and much more, to their collaborators who are tearing the country.”

“The PRM and Abinader promised to face corruption and their twin sister impunity, however, they limited themselves to persecuting the officials of the last Government of Danilo, while they left with the Loose hands to the officials of Hipólito, Leonel and much more, to their collaborators who are tearing the country.”

Fernando Hernández

This criticism echoes similar sentiments expressed by U.S. politicians and activists who have long advocated for stricter oversight and accountability in government spending and corruption prevention. For instance, the U.S. government has faced scrutiny over its own borrowing practices, with some experts arguing that excessive borrowing can lead to economic instability and reduced public services.

Call for Unity and Reform

Despite the grim outlook, the MPD sees unity among democratic, progressive, and left-wing forces as a way forward. Hernández called for a permanent coordination space to address the main problems affecting the people. He stated, “We proclaim our willingness to boost the unity of progressive, democratic and left forces to displace the oligarchy and its representatives, and establish a government that drives the transformations that the Nation requires and builds a democratic and popular republic, which rescues Our sovereignty and independence.”

“We proclaim our willingness to boost the unity of progressive, democratic and left forces to displace the oligarchy and its representatives, and establish a government that drives the transformations that the Nation requires and builds a democratic and popular republic, which rescues Our sovereignty and independence.”

Fernando Hernández

Hernández also emphasized the need to support efforts to create a Unitary Central of Workers, as well as other democratic, student, women, peasants, union, settlers, and ecological movements. He called for the construction of a Democratic and Popular Republic, a transition government between neoliberalism and socialism, which would promote the necessary transformations for the nation.

Counterarguments and Future Directions

Critics of the MPD’s stance might argue that borrowing is a necessary evil in times of economic crisis, and that the government’s actions are aimed at stabilizing the economy. However, the MPD’s call for transparency and accountability resonates with broader global sentiments, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of responsible governance and economic management.

In the U.S., similar debates have emerged over government spending and borrowing, with some advocating for fiscal restraint and others for increased investment in public services and infrastructure. The Dominican Republic’s situation serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential consequences of unchecked borrowing and the importance of fiscal responsibility.

Conclusion

The MPD’s critique of the Abinader administration underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and unity in addressing the Dominican Republic’s economic and social challenges. As the country grapples with high levels of debt and economic instability, the call for a Democratic and Popular Republic offers a vision of a more equitable and sustainable future. The MPD’s proposals, while ambitious, reflect a growing global movement towards progressive governance and economic reform.