Sigmund Freund denies excessive public payroll increases under Abinader’s administration

Santo Domingo.- Minister of Public Administration Sigmund Freund refuted claims of excessive public payroll growth during President Luis Abinader’s administration, stating that between 2020 and 2024, the number of public employees increased by 63,373, or 11.41%, compared to August 2020. Freund noted that this growth is significantly lower than increases seen under previous administrations.

Freund provided historical data highlighting the differences in payroll growth. He revealed that from 2008 to 2012, 75,806 new public sector jobs were added, representing a 31.44% increase. This growth surged further between 2012 and 2016, with 126,370 new jobs (39.83%), and from 2016 to 2020, there was an increase of 111,698 jobs, or 25.18%. He emphasized that the current administration has added the fewest employees to the public payroll in the last 16 years.

The minister pointed out that most new jobs created under Abinader’s government have been in essential sectors such as health, education, defense, and public safety, comprising 73.7% of the total. Freund also noted a significant rise in the average salary of public employees, from 30,548 pesos in 2020 to 41,008 pesos in 2024, marking a 30% increase. He attributed this salary growth to efforts to improve the living conditions of public servants.

In conclusion, Freund characterized the current administration as responsible and committed to enhancing public services, focusing on job creation in priority sectors while ensuring sustainable growth in the public payroll.