Inaugural address highlights

[Dolores]

Highlights of Inaugural Address of President Leonel Fernandez on 16 August

• Start of times of austerity. Promised austerity to confront the crisis, reduction of 20% of government jobs, eliminating those duplicating roles in government and political patronage jobs. Said that nobody would use government funds to purchase new “jeepetas” (luxury SUVs), nor making unlimited mobile phone calls, reduction of diet expenses. Would reduce deputy minister positions to those in the law for each ministry. Ban on borrowing of government institutions from domestic banks. Consular posts would from now on be limited to receiving a wage, not participation in funds generated.

• Would resume agreement with IMF. Plan to confront quasi fiscal debt of RD$90 billion comes with agreement of local and foreign businessmen of depositing funds for future invesetment in the Banco de Reservas at higher rates than what they receive abroad, so as to pay back the certificates of savings in the Central Bank and not continue to issue reserve-less money as has been happening so far causing devaluation of the peso, high levels of inflation. Will honor commitments with certificates of savings made so far. Expects recovery will stimulate a return of capitals, stimulate new investments, new jobs, increase demand and consumption, reduce cost of living.

• Will not be a flag bearer for traditional change of government custom of “boron y cuenta nueva,” or leave what was past in the past. “He who does not have clear accounts, in the public or private sector, may he know that from now on government will not serve as obstruction nor manipulator for justice to not act as our codes and laws establish. “That nobody whisper to my ear in private, what they are not in capacity to tell me in private.”

• Priority to programs to bring food and medicine programs at low cost to the poor. Integrate civic society in social programs. Start of emergency six month programs.
• Power sector. Announced contracting of a US$50 million line of credit to purchase fuel to normalize power service immediately. Evaluate electricity sector contracts, make transparent the costs of the sector, limit subsidy to poor that consume 200 kVH, increase collections, international tender for EdeNorte and Edesur, train staff in electricity regulation, strengthen the Superintendence and National Commission of Energy, approve renewal energy strategies and inject new capitals in the sector. Sure of the support of the IDB, World Bank to bring light back at the end of the tunnel.

• Creation of a state of law, with strengthening of institutions that may serve to curtail unbridled ambitions. “The DR cannot continue as of now with citizen insecurity, traffic of influences, political patronage, illicit enrichening, abuse of power.” Spoke against fear of fraud in elections, a censured press, when powers of the state should inspire with their responsible acts confidence in the people.
Urged members of Congress to assume their role as guarantee of the sacred interests of the republic.

• Priority to education, quality education. Increase of computer and internet education to grade school levels, and increase in bilingual education programs. That public schools offer same quality of education as private schools. Creation of community college programs to quick training of youths. Educate for democracy, with modern civic education programs, to increase social participation.

• International relations. Focus on regional Organization of American States programs to promote international peace. Links with Pacific, Latin American, African and European nations, North America and special attention to Haiti.

• Set new slogan of: “Dominicano, e pa’lante que vamos!”

[Lambada]

20% reduction of government jobs is a start.....but somewhat ironic that on the same day there is a report of 55% overstaffing at Banco Centrale. I wonder how representative this 55% figure is of other government departments?http://www.elcaribe.com.do/articulo_...F6C&Seccion=69

[Texas Bill]

that Lionel's speech was designed with a great deal of optimism for the future of Republica Dominicana!

As to the aspect of a 20% reduction in government payroll, well the man has just today taken over the reins of this government and I, for one, will give him the benefit of the doubts and give him a chance to perform. His feet should be kept to the fire, however, to assure positive performance in carrying through with his statements of intent in his inaugural address.

His stated solutions can be realized only with the cooperation of the Legislature and the National constituancy. Toward this end I recommend we continuously bombard those bodies and the public with email in support/opposition of the actions before them. That way, they can't refuse to recognize that they have a 'watch dog' breathing down their neck at each turn. Local encouragement for such action will be necessary and to be a political activist in support may be the way to help get the job done.

If Leonel can foster a true desire for the 'Rule of Law' amoungst the population and gain their support for this, he will go a long way toward solving the endemic problems that every government here has faced.

It's early days yet, so let's take an attitude of watchful waiting while voicing our concerns.

Texas Bill

[BushBaby]

Originally Posted by Lambada

20% reduction of government jobs is a start.....but somewhat ironic that on the same day there is a report of 55% overstaffing at Banco Centrale. I wonder how representative this 55% figure is of other government departments?http://www.elcaribe.com.do/articulo_...F6C&Seccion=69

The man has been in power for just 14 hours for God's sake!!! He has an entire 4 decades of patronage to overcome & to ME, this is one great step forward - not 5%, not 10% but 20%!!!! Good for him.

If you fire people you alienate them - if you KEEP them & then MOVE them to other areas where they can be more productive, you keep them more loyal & prepared to do what it is they are given as tasks to do!! Could be that he (Leonel) has some expansion plans in the education, social awareness sectors that he intends moving these 'Excess' Governmental workers to! It would be more sensible to retain these Governmental employees & move them to other departments that NEED expanding to envigorate the economy, than to fire them, take on "Party Workers" who then have to be trained!!

I am much more pleased to see his comments with regard to education, the social awareness programme, & the desire to have a LAWFUL & less corrupt society - driven by the populace rather than political patronage! I HOPE he can deliver!! - Grahame.

[NY1]

More importantly, when does the electricity remain on for a 24hr period? Any 24hr period would do. Even if it were once a week for 24 hours!!!

[Dolores]

See http://www.presidencia.gov.do/# for the pdf format of the speech.

[Pib]

Originally Posted by Dolores

“That nobody whisper to my ear in private, what they are not in capacity to tell me in private.”

Great translation Dolores. Small nitpick, it should read “That nobody whisper to my ear in private, what they are not in capacity to tell me in public.” I am looking forward to getting DR1 news tomorrow.

It was a good speech, toned down for the consumption of the masses, not too intellectual but we still notice that the guy is a great orator. Impressive, one hour and only once he had to use his notes to quote somebody else.

I hope that he gets to do what he said he would, there is a great incentive for him, in two years we will have elections again and it is in his best interest to snatch the legislative from the PRD. A second term I am sure is not far from his wishes too.

There is a feeling of euphoria in the air, like we finally got through a messy divorce after a disastrous marriage.

[MrMike]

So nice to have a president that speaks spanish, is able to use big words, procounce consonants, etc.

And finnished a whole speach with zero campo sayings, racial slurs or swear words.

[kingofdice]

Dear PIB,

I would describe the euphoria a little differently, as though the general populace as been working in a hot sugar cane field for the past 4 years without any relief from sun or mosquitos, and a messiah of hope has arrived to take them out of the field.

Viva Leonel and by the grace of God he will slowly, but surely turn the country around again. I wish him the best and if I had the money of Paul Allen or Bill Gates, I would write him a measley check for $350 mil and pay off the abominable electricity bill.

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by Dolores

Highlights of Inaugural Address of President Leonel Fernandez on 16 August

Thanks for the translation, Dolores. I knew I could spend my day yesterday being lazy and having fun, counting on you and DR1 to give us the important parts of the speech in words we can understand.
I owe ya a plate of ribs and a cold beer.
Marco.