The government proposal of Leonel Fernández, presidential candidate for the Fuerza del Pueblo (PF) and allied parties, is based on seven fundamental pillars that would guarantee the sustainable development of the Dominican Republic.

Participating as the first guest in the "2020 Candidate Cycle" organized by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), the former president explained that institutional strengthening, economic growth, citizen security, education, and social security are at the top of his government plan.

The leader of the People's Force stated that he will promote social dialogue to ensure rapprochement with the various sectors of society and the population at large.

He pointed out that the fact that the country's tax burden is 13.5 % of GDP means that government spending amounts to 17.5 %.

He emphasized that among fiscal spending levels, when it comes to the budget, the country only has the fiscal capacity to finance 75% of the national budget, and there is still 25% of the national budget that needs to be financed, "which means that the 2020 deficit is approximately 246 billion pesos."    

He also reiterated his position that the Ministry of Finance's bond purchase operation with Pension Fund funds totaling 40 billion pesos should be reversed.

Fernández said he prefers that this money go to Dominican workers, who are the rightful owners and need it in this time of crisis the country is experiencing.

Participating in the 2020 candidate cycle organized by AMCHAMDR were William Malamud and Ramón Ortega, vice president and president, respectively; as well as committee chairs Rafael Velazco (Energy), Josefina Navarro (Sustainability), María Waleska Álvarez (ICT), María Esther Fernández (Legal), and Alexander Schad (Trade Facilitation). Also present was Robin S. Bernstein, U.S. ambassador to the country, among others.