Santiago Matías responds to Leonel Fernández regarding his foray into Dominican politics
Businessman and communicator Santiago Matías has responded firmly to the recent statements by former President Leonel Fernández, who described his entry into the electoral arena as a communicational phenomenon, suggesting that he lacks the structure, territorial strength, and national organization necessary to consolidate a solid political project.
In his reply, Matías reminded the former president of the origin of his own organization, the People’s Force (Fuerza del Pueblo), pointing out that after his departure from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) in 2019, Fernández chose to acquire the structure of the then Dominican Workers’ Party (PTD).
With all due respect, my friend Mr. President, upon your departure from the PLD, you bought the Workers’ Party, PTD, in 2019 and then changed its name to La Fuerza del Pueblo.
Santiago Matías
A project built from scratch
Matías emphasized that, unlike other political figures who have chosen to acquire existing parties, he has decided to follow a different path with his organization, called Dominicanos Primero. The communicator assured that his intention is to avoid the traditional practices of Dominican politics.
“This servant does not like shortcuts. I could buy a political party, that was the easiest thing, but the people want to leave behind the bad habits of old politics and we have decided to form Dominicanos Primero from scratch”, Matías pointed out.
Heading to the 2028 elections
Matías’ political project has already taken its first formal steps before the Central Electoral Board (JCE), the entity with which he filed the registration application. The businessman’s goal is to participate in the 2028 electoral scene, after having turned down offers from more than 15 political organizations that sought to nominate him as a presidential candidate.
To achieve its official recognition, the movement must comply with strict technical and legal requirements, which include:
- Collection of more than 87,000 supporting signatures.
- Construction of a national structure with leaders throughout the territory.
- Establishment of a duly registered affiliate platform.
Matías, who had already expressed aspirations for the senate of the Santo Domingo province in 2022, is currently in a process of outreach and territorial organization, with activities scheduled in various provinces, including Santiago, to strengthen the foundation of his political proposal.
