Leonel Fernández rejects proposed tax measures

Madrid.- From Madrid, former Dominican president and leader of the People’s Force, Leonel Fernández, rejected what he described as a new tax reform effort by the government of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), arguing that Dominicans cannot bear additional tax burdens amid rising living costs and inflationary pressures.

Speaking before party members and supporters in the Spanish capital, Fernández claimed the government is attempting to introduce measures with effects similar to a tax reform under a different name. He said the current economic climate makes it inappropriate to impose new financial sacrifices on citizens and criticized the administration for seeking additional revenues despite having, in his view, failed to resolve key national challenges.

The opposition leader reiterated that the People’s Force will oppose any initiative that increases taxes or places greater economic pressure on households. He argued that concerns over inflation and the cost of essential goods remain significant and maintained that the party will continue to defend the interests of workers, students, women, youth, and other sectors of society.

Fernández made the remarks during a large gathering at Eventize Space in Madrid, where he oversaw the swearing-in of new members joining the People’s Force from the PRM, the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), and the Democratic Hope Party (PED), along with professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and community leaders living in Spain and other European countries.

The former president said the strong turnout and growing support among Dominicans abroad reinforce the party’s confidence ahead of the 2028 elections and reflect its ongoing efforts to expand its presence within the Dominican diaspora.