Dominican Republic PLD presidential aspirants hold first intra-party debate

The Dominican Republic marked a political milestone with the first televised debate among presidential aspirants from the same party. Organized by the Council for Economic and Social Development of Santo Domingo (CODESSD), the RD Debate featured candidates from the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD): Luis de León, Manfred Mata, Francisco Javier García, and Francisco Domínguez Brito.

During the event, candidates addressed critical national issues. Francisco Domínguez Brito emphasized the need for better agricultural planning to support the tourism sector, noting a high dependency on imports for products like pork. Luis de León criticized the current judicial system, calling for a more independent Public Ministry and a national strategy for citizen security.

Separately, former President and PLD leader Danilo Medina criticized the current administration of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). Medina argued that the government is becoming too expensive for the public, citing increased electricity losses, rising public debt interest, higher public payroll, and increased pension spending.