The former president Leonel Fernández stated that the economic crisis affecting the Dominican Republic does not come from the conflict in the Middle East, but from decisions of the government of the Partido Revolucionario Moderno (PRM). In his space “La Voz del Pueblo”, he presented data on excessive debt and expansion of current spending, linked to electoral purposes since 2020.
Ambiguity in austerity measures
Fernández highlighted a contradiction in the official discourse: while cuts are announced, public spending remains high. Graphs showed that between 2019 and 2025, this increased by 87.5%, exceeding inflation. Current spending dominated, leaving behind investments in works. Non-financial public debt passed from 38,575 million dollars in June 2020 to over 66,000 million in March 2026, with almost doubled interests.
Structural factors behind the economic crisis
Debt, payroll and electricity subsidies
The leader of the Fuerza del Pueblo pointed to the excessive growth of the state payroll and transfers to electricity distributors, despite persistent losses in the system. He questioned the official economic stability, citing inflation above the target range and increases in the basic basket. The international conflict affects fuel and food prices, but Fernández sees it as an excuse for pre-existing problems incubated by government inefficiency.
Defined as “cosmetic austerity”, recent measures do not touch roots such as current spending, according to his verified figures with reports from the Central Bank and Ministry of Finance.
Testimonies of those affected by the economic crisis
- Francisco Gómez, a 40-year-old dentist, reported tripling of post-pandemic electricity tariffs, damaging equipment and increasing non-transferable costs.
- Lili Martínez, owner of beauty salons, lamented evaporated profit margins due to taxes and expensive products: from 50,000 pesos before, now almost nothing.
- Jesús Mejía, a merchant from Cristo Rey, faces expensive flour, scarce water, and high bills, maintaining businesses out of dignity before imminent closure and rising crime.
These accounts illustrate the impact on small businesses and popular neighborhoods. Historically, the Dominican Republic has dealt with debt cycles; in 2020-2026, accelerated debt contrasts with initial projections of containment, according to experts like economist Hemispheric Ramírez.
Fernández urges transparent planning to mitigate the economic crisis, warning of future risks due to spending and debts. The economic crisis demands immediate structural attention.
