Lawmakers debate changes to Luis Abinader’s cabinet

Political reactions following the recent changes in President Abinader’s cabinet

Following the recent moves made by President Luis Abinader in various state institutions, the Dominican political landscape has been marked by an intense debate between the opposition and the ruling party. While legislators from opposing parties question the depth of these measures, within the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), the renewal is valued and there is advocacy for greater integration of its base.

The opposition’s vision: between skepticism and criticism

Voices from the Fuerza del Pueblo and the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) have described the appointments as a simple rotation of officials. Deputy José David Báez, of the Fuerza del Pueblo, was emphatic in pointing out that these changes seem like an implicit acknowledgment that the previous administration did not meet citizen expectations.

In our view, these changes made by the Dominican Government are a mea culpa that the officials of this Government have not been carrying out their duties as they should.

For his part, PLD legislator Gustavo Sánchez stated that the president “has fallen short,” questioning especially the management of the electricity sector and the continuity of figures such as the Minister of Interior and Police, Faride Raful. In contrast, Charlie Mariotti Paz, also of the PLD, expressed positive expectations regarding the management of Juan Manuel Méndez García at the head of Intrant, although he warned that the challenges in urban mobility require time to show results.

The ruling party supports the movements and asks for more space

From the PRM bench, deputy Ramón Bueno defended the presidential prerogative, describing the decisions as positive. However, he underscored a latent request within the political organization: the need for the party’s grassroots to have more tangible representation in public administration.

We need the party to feel represented in the management.

Senator Dagoberto Rodríguez joined this vision, highlighting that the arrival of new officials brings freshness to the institutions and that integrating party members into community initiatives would strengthen the social impact of the current administration.

Summary of key designations

• Víctor Bisonó: Minister of Foreign Affairs.
• Jean Luis Rodríguez: Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings.
• Juan Manuel Méndez García: Director of Intrant.
• Erdwin Robert Olivares Luciano: Director of the COE.
• Carlos Manuel Paulino Cárdenas: Civil Defense.
• Joel Santos: President of the CUED and coordinator of the Energy Cabinet, maintaining his role in Energy and Mines.

This restructuring, executed halfway through Luis Abinader’s second term, tests the Government’s responsiveness to priority social demands such as the electricity crisis and traffic congestion, issues that will remain under the scrutiny of various sectors of Dominican society.