The ministries of Youth and Environment stand out for registering the highest mobility of officials in the Government of President Luis Abinader, initiated in August 2020. Both have had four ministers each, surpassing other portfolios such as Presidency, Education and Public Health, which have had three changes. Only three institutions maintain their original incumbents: Tourism with David Collado, Foreign Relations with Roberto Álvarez and Higher Education with Franklin García Fermín.
Ministry of Youth: four officials and first resignation
The Ministry of Youth sets the record for instability. Kinsberly Taveras took office in August 2020, but resigned three months later due to questioning of her patrimonial declaration and her role as a state supplier. She was succeeded by Luz Jiménez Ramírez until December 2021, followed by Rafael Feliz García until July 2024. Currently, Carlos Valdez Matos directs the ministry. This rotation reflects challenges in the management of youth policies in a context of high demand for employment and training.
Environment: tragedy accelerates transitions
In Environment, the assassination of Orlando Jorge Mera in June 2022 caused the interregnum of Vice President Raquel Peña for several weeks. Later, Miguel Ceara Hatton arrived until August 2024, replaced by the current Paino Henríquez. This portfolio faces pressures due to deforestation and climate change, with data from the Ministry indicating over 20,000 hectares lost annually in the Dominican Republic.
Other portfolios with high rotation
Ministries such as Presidency (Lisandro Macarrulla, Joel Santos, José Ignacio Paliza), Administrative Presidency (Paliza, Igor David Rodríguez, Andrés Bautista), Education (Roberto Fulcar, Ángel Hernández, Luis Miguel De Camps) and Culture (Carmen Heredia, Milagros Germán, Roberto Ángel Salcedo) have had three changes each. Public Health saw changes during the pandemic: Plutarco Arias, Daniel Rivera and Víctor Atallah.
- Agriculture: Limber Cruz until 2026, now Oliverio Espaillat.
- Public Works: Deligne Ascención until 2025, now Eduardo Estrella.
- Economy and Treasury: Merged under Magín Díaz after several officials.
Experts in governance point out that this dynamic responds to strategic adjustments in the face of crises such as the pandemic and natural disasters, although it generates debates about continuity. In total, more than 88% of ministries experienced at least one change until the beginning of 2026.
The ministries of Youth and Environment exemplify the fluidity of Abinader’s cabinet, prioritizing renewal in key areas for national development.
