SANTO DOMINGO.-The Government will look for alternatives and adjust the scope of the development plans that it had proposed after the withdrawal of the Fiscal Modernization Law project from the agenda of the National Congress.
This was announced by President Luis Abinader during a speech last Saturday, in which he requested the immediate withdrawal of the project, eleven days after it was presented and two after public debates and questions in public hearings.
Through a message of 5 minutes and 52 seconds issued last Saturday, the president indicated that the proposal, based on the need for structural changes to guarantee the economic sustainability of the Dominican Republic, did not have the necessary support from the citizens.
“I am proceeding, then, to request the immediate withdrawal of the Fiscal Modernization Law project from the agenda of the National Congress.
This will involve adjusting the scope of the development plans that we had proposed and building acceptable alternatives to achieve the Dominican Republic that we want,” indicated the head of state.
He emphasized that the fiscal modernization proposal was not an improvised initiative, but the result of a “deep sense of responsibility” towards the future of the country and that it sought to reduce dependence on external debt, strengthen collections and optimize spending.
However, he acknowledged that a democracy “requires constant dialogue between the Government and the population,” and that the lack of consensus forced the measure to be reconsidered.
Abinader pointed out that, after hearing “concerns, reservations and concerns” from various sectors, he understood that the proposed Fiscal Modernization Law did not have the necessary consensus to be approved.
However, he defended the importance of the project, ensuring that his government took on a challenge that others had evaded to “preserve their popularity,” but that his administration preferred to face with “responsibility and courage.”
Reactions
The Association of Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industries of the Dominican Republic recognizes and values the Government’s effort to listen to all sectors during the public hearings on the tax proposal.
He highlighted the Government’s sensitivity when considering the impact that the reform could have on the most vulnerable part of the country’s population.
For its part, the Dominican Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises expressed its support for the withdrawal of the Fiscal Modernization project.
“We consider that this action reflects a thoughtful and responsible posture towards the economic development of the country,” he said in a statement, in which he indicated that “at Codopyme, we understand that fiscal modernization is a necessity for our growth as a nation.
However, we firmly believe that any reform must be aimed at promoting progress without harming the productive sectors, which are essential for the economic well-being of the country.”
For its part, the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE) assessed President Abinader’s decision to withdraw the project as prudent and sensible.
“We consider that this act reflects an open attitude and a clear understanding of the Executive Branch of the importance of formulating a comprehensive reform that responds to the concerns of the various productive and social sectors.”
The president of the National Council of Private Enterprise, Celso Juan Marranzini, indicated that “we support the balanced decision of President Abinader.
The ability to listen and put the willingness to rectify and continue the dialogue above the circumstances inspires confidence and enhances his management as a leader.”
Opposition welcomes Abinader’s decision
Policy. The Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) party welcomed the decision of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, to withdraw the tax reform project, a measure that had been requested by the former president and leader of the organization, Leonel Fernández.
In a statement issued the night before, the FP expressed: “We welcome the fact that the President of the Republic ordered the withdrawal of the tax reform project submitted to the National Congress, which did not have the necessary consensus at the national level.”
The green party highlighted that the reform proposal, described by Fernández as a “fiscal bombshell,” would have generated a negative impact on the national economy.
