The Dominican Evangelical Alliance (AEDO) expressed support for the government's recently announced austerity measures and called on all sectors of society to work together in response to global economic challenges.
According to Evidencias Digital, the evangelical organization urged political leaders, businesses, churches and civil society groups to act responsibly as the Dominican Republic faces the effects of the global economic downturn.
AEDO President Bishop Reynaldo Franco Aquino said the government's plan to save about 40 billion Dominican pesos (about $686 million) through spending cuts should be viewed as a preventive response to economic uncertainty. He said the situation requires fiscal discipline and measures to protect vulnerable citizens.
Aquino welcomed efforts to reduce nonessential government spending, including limits on vehicle purchases, hiring, official events, travel expenses, fuel use and government advertising. He said the measures should be implemented transparently and fairly.
The alliance also stressed the need for dialogue and cooperation among all sectors of society. It said efforts to address the crisis should be shared fairly while helping preserve economic and social stability.
AEDO supported continued fuel subsidies, particularly for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as a special subsidy for fertilizers. The organization said the measures help contain living costs, support agricultural production and limit increases in food prices.
Aquino said resources redirected to social programs, priority sectors and strategic public investment should focus on protecting vulnerable populations, preserving jobs and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.
The alliance said the government's plan is not a comprehensive fiscal reform but an austerity and social protection package aimed at responding to global economic challenges.
It also called on the government, political parties, business leaders, churches, civil society groups and citizens to work together in a spirit of dialogue, unity and social responsibility.
Originally published by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
