Abinader says freedom requires responsibility and constant commitment

Miami, Florida.- President Luis Abinader said that freedom requires responsibility and constant commitment, warning that democratic societies face serious risks when citizens surrender their liberties in exchange for security or comfort. He delivered the remarks on Saturday in Miami after receiving the Champion of Freedom Award from the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University.

Accepting the award, which recognized his leadership and implementation of free-market policies, Abinader said freedom “is not a guaranteed legacy, but a permanent task.” He described the honor as an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of liberty and its role in modern democracies. Drawing on the ideas of economist Adam Smith, he said economic freedom must be rooted in justice, clear rules, and trust in institutions.

The president said his administration remains focused on strengthening institutions, promoting transparency, protecting the rule of law, and expanding economic opportunities in the Dominican Republic. Quoting Don Quixote and referencing thinkers such as Alexis de Tocqueville and Isaiah Berlin, Abinader stressed that true freedom means both the absence of restrictions and the ability to build a dignified future.

He also called for dialogue, pluralism, and consensus in an increasingly polarized world. “Growth is not just about producing more. It is about allowing each person to imagine and build their own future,” he said, adding that freedom and prosperity are inseparable goals.

The event was attended by government officials, business leaders, and international guests, including former Colombian President Iván Duque and Gianni Infantino. Established in 2020, the Adam Smith Center is an independent, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to advancing policies that promote economic freedom and human prosperity.