Reactions in Santiago to the new movements in the government cabinet
The recent wave of appointments and movements in various state institutions, announced by President Luis Abinader, has generated a series of divided reactions among the citizens of Santiago. The transition that has captured the most public attention is the transfer of Major General Juan Manuel Méndez García from the Emergency Operations Center (COE) to the directorship of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT).
In a survey conducted on the streets of the Heart City, the population’s perception appears fragmented. On one hand, some of those consulted expressed their dissatisfaction with Méndez’s departure from the COE, arguing that his management at the head of the relief agency was exemplary and effective. On the other hand, citizens like Jesús Félix highlighted the officer’s seriousness and administrative capacity, noting that his arrival at INTRANT could be the necessary boost to strengthen a key institution for the country.
Citizens in Santiago agree that changes in the government cabinet must translate into concrete results that directly address the real needs of the Dominican people.
Expectations and omissions in appointments
Not all reactions were positive. Some sectors of the population expressed their surprise and disappointment upon noting that certain officials, such as the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful, remain in their positions, a departure that various citizens expected to see reflected in the presidential decrees. Likewise, it was detected that a portion of the population is still unaware of the full scope of the changes recently announced during the commemoration of the 163rd anniversary of the Restoration of the Republic.
Details of the movements in the government train
The Executive Branch, through decrees 551-26 and 554-26, formalized a total of 22 strategic changes in the public administration. Among the most notable movements are:
- Juan Manuel Méndez García assumes the directorship of INTRANT, replacing Milton Morrison.
- Víctor “Ito” Bisonó is appointed as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Jean Luis Rodríguez takes over the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED).
- Francisco Alejandro Campos Álvarez assumes the head of the Dominican Port Authority.
- Julia Luz Marina Muñiz Suberví is appointed president of the Board of Directors of the Port Authority.
For the inhabitants of Santiago, the central message behind these movements is clear: the population expects this restructuring not to be merely an administrative formality, but an effective measure that is reflected in tangible improvements for national well-being.
