# Dominican Republic domestic reform initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-domestic-reform-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-08-20T23:40:53.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 2.

In the Dominican Republic, President Luis Abinader continues to manage domestic reform and development initiatives. 

Labor unions, including the Confederación Autónoma Sindical Clasista (CASC), have pressured the administration to withdraw a proposed reform of the Labor Code from the National Congress. Union leaders argue that the issue of severance (cesantía) was already settled through a 14-year tripartite dialogue and stated, “No tenemos ningún interés en seguir conversando sobre el proyecto, sobre todo sobre la cesantía.” While rejecting further talks on the code, unions expressed openness to discussing other topics such as salary agreements and platform-worker legislation.

Infrastructure development remains a priority, particularly in the southern provinces of Independencia and Barahona. Recent projects include the Cabral-Polo highway, a bridge in Boca de Cachón, and various educational improvements, such as a new roof structure at the Leonor Novas Volquez School. Expansion efforts also include the Costa Blanca project in Boca Chica, a public-private partnership intended to create a sustainable logistics and tourism hub.

Institutional and security reforms are also underway. National Police Director General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García has implemented leadership changes and issued a 30-day ultimatum for officials to submit mandatory asset declarations to avoid dismissal. Additionally, the government has delivered a new building for the Higher Police Education Institute (IPES) to support professionalization.

Politically, the ruling PRM is organizing support for presidential candidates, while the opposition PLD is launching territorial campaigns, including opening over 100 local offices, to prepare for 2028. In social sectors, President Abinader recently met with 53 deaf students following their successful completion of an artificial intelligence training program. This initiative, a collaboration between the Dirección General de Desarrollo de la Comunidad (DGDC), QVITAE, and the Escuela Nacional para Sordos (ENAPSOR), saw 80% of the secondary school students complete their work with grades above the national average.

## Claims

- President Luis Abinader expressed pride in the students' ability to succeed despite their limitations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The President expressed his willingness to work with the youth to expand training, employability, and development opportunities. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The 53 students involved in the program are in their fifth and sixth years of secondary school. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The artificial intelligence training initiative was a collaboration between the Dirección General de Desarrollo de la Comunidad (DGDC), QVITAE, and the Escuela Nacional para Sordos (ENAPSOR). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 80% of the students completed their assigned work and obtained grades higher than the national average. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Luis Abinader meets with deaf students following AI training success

President Luis Abinader met with 53 deaf students who excelled in an artificial intelligence training program, highlighting a government focus on inclusive education and regional infrastructure development.

58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luis-abinader-meets-with-53-deaf-students-following-ai-training-success

### 2026-08-06: Dominican Republic unions push President Abinader to scrap labor reform

Dominican unions, led by Gabriel del Río and Jacobo Ramos, urged President Luis Abinader to withdraw the labor code reform, refusing any discussion on severance and calling to keep the current code.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dominican-republic-unions-push-president-abinader-to-scrap-labor-reform

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Cite as: Dominican Republic domestic reform initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dominican-republic-domestic-reform-initiatives