Dominican Republic faces political crisis as opposition warns of democratic erosion

Johnny Pujols, secretary‑general of the Partido de la Liberación Dominicana (PLD), said the Dominican Republic is living through one of its worst periods. He cited a sustained decline in quality of life, rising public‑service costs, increasing crime and a perceived threat to democracy and freedom of expression. Pujols criticised the new DNI law, recent amendments to freedom‑of‑expression regulations and criminal‑code articles that impose prison for defamation, warning that “in no strong democracy is defamation punished with jail” because it can become prior censorship. He also highlighted proposals to shorten statutes of limitation for sexual‑assault crimes against minors and to reduce the maximum penalty, calling them “extremely dangerous.”

Pujols called on citizens to monitor any further legal changes closely. He said the PLD is reorganising its internal structure and, if a second‑round presidential runoff occurs in the 2028 elections, it would seek the backing of the opposition Fuerza del Pueblo, and vice‑versa, to present a united front against the ruling Partido Revolucionario Moderno (PRM). The commentary by Alberto Quezada underscored the broader context: the country is grappling with economic challenges, social unrest and a polarized political climate, urging the government and opposition to maintain dialogue rather than deepen confrontation.