Danilo Medina, former president of the Dominican Republic and current leader of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), said his party remains well positioned to return to power in the 2028 general election. Speaking during a party event in San Gregorio de Nigua, in the province of San Cristóbal, Medina argued that defeating the PLD “will not be easy.”
The former president made the remarks after swearing in dozens of new party members and used the event to criticize the government’s economic management, particularly its handling of food prices and household purchasing power.
Questions Over Government Claims on Hunger
Medina challenged official statements that hunger has been reduced in the country, asking what specific measures had produced that result.
“What plan has eliminated hunger in our country?” Medina said, urging the government to identify a single policy that, in his view, has significantly improved food security for Dominican families.
The PLD leader argued that many households have reduced the number of meals they eat each day because of higher living costs. He said this situation affects not only lower-income families but also members of the middle class who struggle to keep pace with rising prices.
Comparison of Food Prices
During his speech, Medina compared the prices of several staple foods at the end of his administration with current market prices. He cited increases in products such as rice, pork, chicken, eggs and plantains, arguing that higher food costs have placed additional pressure on household budgets.
He also recalled that the current administration had pledged to lower the prices of dozens of essential consumer goods during its first 100 days in office, claiming that the opposite has occurred.
Cost of the Basic Food Basket
According to Medina, the cost of the Dominican Republic’s basic food basket now exceeds RD$50,000, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford essential goods.
The former president questioned government claims that poverty and hunger have declined, maintaining that the continued rise in food prices has reduced the purchasing power of many Dominican households.
Medina’s remarks come as political parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the country’s next presidential election, scheduled for 2028, with economic conditions expected to remain a central issue in the national political debate.