Displaying items by tag: Luis Abinader

President Luis Abinader has introduced measures to address illegal immigration from neighbouring Haiti, where the continuing violence is forcing many to flee. The new policies, described as ‘painful but necessary’, include charging migrants for hospital services and penalising those who rent to undocumented individuals. He is also increasing military presence at the border and speeding up border wall construction. He said that his country’s resources were strained, and spoke of the burden on hospitals, schools, and security. Human rights activists have criticised the measures as discriminatory and accused the government of abusing migrants. Over 180,000 migrants have already been deported, and stricter penalties will be imposed on those who aid illegal crossings. However, this week the nation’s attention is focussed on a tragedy in the capital, Santo Domingo: at least 184 were killed and over 250 injured after a roof collapsed at a nightclub. See

Luis Abinader has been re-elected for a second term, clinching victory in the first round. The hugely popular president vowed unity and impartial leadership as he declared victory on 19 May, having secured a sufficiently wide margin to win without needing to go to a second-round face-off. His win appears to be an endorsement of his handling of the economy and tough policies towards migration from neighbouring Haiti. ‘Today our country shines with its own light’, Abinader told supporters, pledging to serve as president for all citizens. He called for a country ‘without distinction, without sectarianism, and without party colours’. He also vowed to push through constitutional reform on the continuity of power that would not rely on the ‘personal whim’ of the president in office, and pledged that he would not run again after completing his second term. While opposition parties reported a number of small irregularities, voting in the election largely ran smoothly.