Luis Abinader Begins Second Term with Vision for Economic Growth

Luis Abinader was sworn in for his second four-year term as president of the Dominican Republic, focusing on anti-corruption efforts, economic growth, tourism, and job creation. Attendees included regional leaders who also discussed Venezuela's contested election. Key members of the executive and financial administration were named or retained.

Dominican Republic leader Luis Abinader began his second four-year term as president, welcoming heads of state and public figures including King of Spain, after appointing key members of his executive team.

"I feel profoundly honored to swear in as president," Abinader said, pledging to intensify his crackdown on corruption while focusing on economic growth, tourism, and job creation. "This is just the beginning," he affirmed during a livestreamed ceremony.

Abinader, a 57-year-old former entrepreneur, secured another term by winning 58% of the vote in May, campaigning on a pro-business platform with a strong stance against corruption and on barring migrants from conflict-ridden Haiti. Guests from the political and private sectors gathered at the National Theater in Santo Domingo on Friday morning.

Regional leaders, including the presidents of Panama, Uruguay, and Paraguay, are set to discuss the outcome of Venezuela's contested July election on the event's sidelines. On Thursday night, Abinader appointed economist Joel Santos as the new Minister of Mines and Energy. The Dominican Republic is home to one of the world's largest gold mines, making it a significant ferronickel supplier.

Santos, formerly an economy professor and Abinader's Minister of the Presidency, had overseen the country's transport, water, electrical infrastructure, and construction sectors. Jose Ignacio Paliza, president of Abinader's Modern Revolutionary Party and a former senator, was appointed Minister of the Presidency, coordinating between the president and other sectors.

Abinader also signed a decree to retain essential financial administration members, including Hector Valdez as Central Bank Governor, Clarissa de la Rocha as Vice Governor, and Alejandro Fernandez as Superintendent of Banking.

(With inputs from agencies.)