President Abinader takes it easy

Santo Domingo — So far in 2025, President Luis Abinader has taken his official duties in stride, and it is not yet known when he will resume his weekly press conference. Dominicans, accustomed to receiving a New Year’s message from the head of state, found themselves this time without the traditional greeting.

Meanwhile, social networks are speculating as to when the president will resume “LA Semanal con la Prensa,” which has been suspended since 15 December due to Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities. Abinader addressed an early Christmas message to the country last month, in which he highlighted the work of the Armed Forces and the National Police.

His political agenda has apparently been on pause, except for his recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Thursday to attend Governor Jenniffer A. González Colón’s inauguration. Other than that activity, his public appearances have been few and far between.

There is nothing strange about reducing presidential appearances except that Abinader has distinguished himself by an agenda full of activities, some of little national interest.

Meanwhile, Vice President Raquel Peña has assumed a more visible role. This Saturday, she led a meeting at the National Palace with representatives of the Dominican Medical Association (CMD) and the National Health Service (SNS), in which a 25% salary increase for doctors was agreed upon.