The Dominican Council of Evangelical Unity (CODUE) warns that the middle class of the Dominican Republic will be the most affected by the current international crisis, urging citizens to "tighten their belts" in the face of global economic impact.
Middle class of the Dominican Republic in the sights of the crisis
The pastor Feliciano Lacen Custodio, president of the CODUE, explained that the middle class of the Dominican Republic does not have access to direct government subsidies, leaving it exposed to turbulence. Historically, this group bears the weight of recessions without protection networks, according to statements from the evangelical leader. In the Dominican Republic, where the middle class of the Dominican Republic represents around 30% of the population according to data from the Central Bank of 2025, the increase in fuel and food prices aggravates its situation.
Impact of the conflict in the Middle East
The president Luis Abinader has recognized pressures on electricity tariffs, transportation, and food due to the conflict in the Middle East, which raises global energy costs. The CODUE values subsidies for fertilizers and price supervision, but urges actions against merchants who impose disproportionate increases. Free competition, without strict controls, allows abuses that first hit the middle class of the Dominican Republic.
Proposed measures against the international crisis
- Strengthen social programs by reassigning resources from non-priority areas.
- Eliminate obstacles for renewable energies and alternative labor in the public sector to reduce fuel consumption.
- Major transparency and supervision to avoid distortions that deepen inequality.
Historical context and statistics
In past crises like the one in 2008, the middle class of the Dominican Republic saw its purchasing power fall by 15%, per data from the Ministry of Economy. Experts from the World Bank agree: without targeted interventions, this sector suffers more from imported inflation. Lacen Custodio described the government’s measures for the vulnerable as positive, but insisted on shared responsibility.
The CODUE reiterates its support for the people, promoting unity and solidarity. The middle class of the Dominican Republic must prepare for hard times resulting from the international crisis, avoiding excuses for internal abuses.
