Dominican Deputy Crespo Criticizes Government on Economy and Security

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Deputy Tobías Crespo of the opposition Fuerza del Pueblo party has launched a broad critique of the Dominican government's performance, targeting both the economy and public security. In separate interviews, he claimed the government has failed on multiple fronts, highlighting a lack of cash in circulation, poor public services, and rising insecurity. He also asserted that the government has failed in security matters, questioning the official narrative of reduced crime.

Economic and Security Critiques

Crespo painted a dire economic picture, stating, “No hay cuarto en la calle, no hay agua, no hay luz” (There is no money on the street, no water, no light). He linked this to business closures and a lack of quality employment, criticizing the growth of the public payroll. He claimed the government has spent over 130 billion pesos to add some 116,000 people to the state payroll, though these figures require official verification. On security, he argued that the government's discourse on reducing crime contradicts the reality faced by citizens, stating, “¿Qué refleja esto? Esto refleja que el Gobierno fracasó” (What does this reflect? This reflects that the government failed).

Specific Complaints and Political Context

Pensions: Crespo questioned special pensions granted by the government, suggesting some may benefit individuals linked to the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) without a justified work history. He distinguished these from aid for vulnerable citizens.
Police Reform: He criticized the police reform as superficial, saying, “La reforma de la Policía no es cambiar el uniforme a la Policía para que cambie de gris a otro color más llamativo” (Police reform is not changing the uniform from gray to another flashy color). While acknowledging salary increases and body cameras, he called for a broader transformation with better conditions for officers.
Political Positioning: These criticisms come as the Fuerza del Pueblo seeks to strengthen its political position ahead of the 2028 elections.

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