Opposition leaders balk at former President’s prediction

Santo Domingo.- Leaders of the Dominican Republic’s opposition parties, (PRD, liberal, PRSC, conservative and the FA, leftist) on Monday rebuked former president Leonel Fernandez’s prediction that the ruling PLD party is headed to another electoral win in 2016, and remain another 20 years in power.

PRD deputy Carlos Gabriel Garcia said the PLD party has no merits to stay in office until 2036. "The PLD with its government policy has been unable to deal with the major social ills such as crime, unemployment and the high cost of living. It’s valid that Leonel wants to sell himself as a political brand but the public is tired."

The also lawmaker and PRSC leader Ito Bisonó said the people are living in very difficult times and demand changes, but noted that the opposition itself isn’t doing its part. "The people are opening their eyes. The people have many expectations. The people want change and the opposition parties share a great of responsibility because they aren’t doing their work."

While FA (Frente Amplio, Expanded Front) leader Virtues Alvarez said, "if the PLD will continue as of 2016 for ever and ever -20 years as Fernandez reiterated- that’s like very linear, it’s not so, politics does work that way."