Leonel Fernández denounces intimidation in Samaná after stating that government-linked sectors attempted to pressure citizens to prevent their attendance at a Fuerza del Pueblo activity in that province.
The president of the opposition organization made the accusation during a political swearing-in ceremony held in Samaná, where he assured that the party’s base is still growing and that the opposition must prevail in the upcoming elections.
Leonel Fernández denounces intimidation in Samaná during a political event
According to the former president, there were pressures on fishermen and other residents who had planned to attend the activity. He said that government officials would have warned of possible exclusions from official programs if they participated in the meeting.
“Voluntarily they decided to be here, but since last night government officials appeared to pressure them, intimidate them, and blackmail them”, expressed Fernández.
The accusation was made in a scenario of strong political support, with the presence of local leaders and historical figures from the province. Among the attendees were former senators Enrique Pujals, Ramiro Espino Fermín, and Prim Pujals, as well as former deputy and former senator aspirant Miguel Ángel Jazmín, known as “Muñeco”, who joined the Fuerza del Pueblo.
More support and a territorial strength signal
The day aimed to show territorial organization and the ability to capture cadres. For the Fuerza del Pueblo, the entry of influential local leaders strengthens the message of expansion in a province with high tourist value and strategic importance.
Fernández stated that the party’s growth is being reflected in several demarcations of the country. He also claimed that the officialdom observes that advance with concern.
Leonel Fernández denounces intimidation in Samaná and, at the same time, attempts to project a narrative of political ascension in front of his adversaries.
Samaná, tourism, and claims for basic services
In his speech, Fernández linked the political dispute with the situation of public services. He assured that in previous administrations the province had better electricity service and greater availability of potable water.
He recalled that Samaná was part of an expansion stage of works and infrastructure, but warned that today there are failures in energy and supply. According to him, nearly 40% of the population lacks water, a fact that was not verified at the event.
Promises of development and new commissions
Fernández proposed that Samaná needs a more orderly planning to sustain its urban and tourist growth. In this sense, he announced the creation of a provincial development commission and another for the municipality of Las Terrenas.
He also spoke of better connecting the province to other areas of the country, especially to the Eastern region, as part of a tourism and economic integration vision. In his message, he insisted that Leonel Fernández denounces intimidation in Samaná while the Fuerza del Pueblo seeks to capitalize on the discontent with public services and government management.
The event left a double reading: on the one hand, the denunciation of alleged political pressures; on the other, the demonstration that the Fuerza del Pueblo is trying to consolidate itself in a key province where local votes can make a difference in future elections.
