President Abinader Declares the Country’s Monetary Poverty at Its Lowest in History
Santo Domingo. – President Luis Abinader announced this Friday that the country’s monetary poverty has reached the lowest level in the history of the nation’s economy, dropping to 18.9% in the first half of 2024.
“Monetary poverty decreased from 25.8% in 2019 to 23% in 2023, despite the pandemic and the effects of the war. Even better, in this first half of 2024, it dropped to 18.9%: the lowest level in our history,” stated the president.
According to the head of state, these results are due to policies that have fostered confidence for investments, generating jobs and opportunities.
Additionally, during his second presidential inauguration, he emphasized the strengthening of government social programs, such as the redesigned “Supérate” program, which now includes the Emergency Bonus.
“By doubling the amount of food assistance and increasing gas and electricity subsidies, we have benefited 1.5 million households,” he noted.
He also highlighted the doubling of social protection spending, housing construction for vulnerable sectors, and improvements in access to potable water to raise living standards for Dominicans.
Food Security
On this topic, the president mentioned that, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Dominican Republic has reduced the percentage of undernourished people from 8.3% in the 2018-2020 period to 4.6% in the 2021-2023 period. “In that time, we’ve reduced undernourishment by 45%.”
Employment
Regarding employment, he stated that the country currently has a record number of active workers in the labor market, with unemployment having dropped over the past three years to 5%.
“Additionally, the average minimum wage has grown by 14% above inflation, improving the purchasing power of Dominican workers,” the president added.
He emphasized that the Dominican Republic is now in the “High Human Development” category according to the United Nations index, and that in recent years, it is one of the few countries globally to have climbed in rankings.
“In 2023, the Dominican Republic’s GDP per capita reached $11,200, solidifying our status as a middle-income economy,” said the president.
In his view, the country’s economic success is due to both the promotion and support of private investment, which creates jobs and drives economic growth, and a government that strengthens institutions, ensures honesty, and efficiently manages public funds while making significant social investments.
He added, “We do not believe in authoritarianism or messianic leaders who seek to control a country’s destiny. The future of the Dominican people is in our hands, and we decide it together.”
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