San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic – In a scathing critique of the ruling Partido Revolucionario Moderno (PRM) government, former President Leonel Fernández, leader of the opposition Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) party, accused the administration of failing to maintain public safety and address critical issues in essential services. Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for new FP members at the Nigua Gremio Club on Sunday, Fernández asserted that the country has become a breeding ground for criminal activity, leaving citizens living in constant fear of robbery or violence. He attributed the surge in crime to inadequate planning and the absence of coherent public policies, claiming that the government has reneged on its promise to ensure national security.
Fernández also condemned the government’s inability to provide basic public services, particularly the widespread lack of access to clean drinking water in numerous communities. ‘We are lacking drinking water,’ he emphasized, calling on the administration to address long-standing demands for the construction of new aqueducts.
Highlighting the growing momentum behind FP, Fernández noted that the influx of new party members reflects widespread disillusionment with the current government. ‘People are realizing that this government hasn’t met the country’s challenges,’ he declared. Following the event, Fernández attended the Expo Constitución 2025 Multisector Fair, organized by the San Cristóbal Chamber of Commerce and Production, further engaging with local stakeholders.