The call for dialogue promoted by the Executive Branch to address the effects of the Middle East war is raising doubts. Former presidents Danilo Medina and Leonel Fernández expressed skepticism after meeting with ministers, arguing that there is no defined action plan. This stance raises the central question: real dialogue or political strategy?
On Friday, April 10, Medina, leader of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), talked for nearly two hours with José Ignacio Paliza (Presidency), Magín Díaz (Treasury) and Eduardo “Yayo” Sanz Lovatón (Industry and Commerce). Two days later, he criticized the absence of concrete proposals. Paliza, of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), countered that the Government has clear plans, rejecting ideas such as a tax reform proposed by Medina.
Real dialogue or political strategy with Fernández
On Wednesday the 15th, Fernández, from the Fuerza del Pueblo, received the commission at Funglode. He praised the initiative as positive, but remained cautious, insisting on national unity without detailing measures. Neither of the former presidents has publicly proposed solutions to mitigate an economic crisis stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, which is already raising fuel prices and affecting Dominican imports.
Background: On real dialogue or political strategy regarding Haiti
Lessons from the past mini-summit
This call evokes the 2025 mini-summit between Luis Abinader, Medina, Fernández and Hipólito Mejía over the Haitian crisis. Following meetings, the Economic and Social Council (CES) produced a document with six axes: migration, bilateral trade, border development, security, international relations and labor. Delivered on September 9, 2025 to the National Palace and the former presidents, its implementation remains uncertain, which fuels doubts about the effectiveness of dialogue in times of crisis.
The Government emphasizes national interest above individual interests. However, the lack of opposition proposals fuels suspicions of opportunism. Social sectors question whether the opposition is looking to fish in troubled waters in the face of the Middle East war.
- Key criticisms: Absence of a defined plan.
- Official response: Defined plans exist.
- Recent history: Haitian pact without visible progress.
In context, the Middle East war threatens global inflation; the Dominican Republic imports 80% of its energy. Experts urge diversification and fiscal reserves, but the debate persists over real dialogue or political strategy. The opposition must clarify its role to prioritize the national interest.
