Medina orders government austerity to continue until year end

Santo Domingo. – President Danilo Medina on Monday decided to continue the government austerity policy until 31 December, and issued executive order 262-13.

He said the measure has been satisfactory in rationalizing public sector spending, as well as accountability, and instructed the of Finance and Economy ministries and the Comptroller General to enact the decree.

Medina had issued a decree reducing government spending on August 22, 2012, just seven days after taking office, to “establish discipline, and strengthen fiscal accounts to ensure macroeconomic stability.

It also bans parties, receptions and furniture purchases, eliminates credit cards and imposes a cap on fuel costs.