Leonel Fernández addresses security, drought, and diaspora ties

Leonel Fernández, president of the Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) party, has raised several critical issues regarding the current state of the Dominican Republic during a tour of the United States.

Addressing the Dominican diaspora in Pennsylvania, Fernández proposed a strategic alliance to integrate the professional and entrepreneurial talent of citizens living abroad into national development, moving beyond a reliance on remittances, which he estimated at approximately US$13 billion annually.

In terms of domestic security, Fernández expressed grave concern over an escalation of violence, stating that recent criminal acts have “desbordado al gobierno” (overwhelmed the government). He specifically cited a violent attack at the residence of musician Julián Oro Duro and a shooting in Boca Chica as evidence of a loss of public safety and privacy.

Additionally, the FP party has called on the government to implement a comprehensive national plan to combat drought and water scarcity. Party representatives argued that the 2026 budget lacks sufficient preventive measures to address water stress affecting agriculture, livestock, and domestic supply, despite previous international warnings.