Government approves 2026 Budget Policy and presents progress on prioritized goals

Santo Domingo.– President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña led this Thursday the fiftieth meeting of the Council of Ministers, where the 2026 Annual Budget Policy was approved, in accordance with the provisions of the Organic Budget Law.

During the meeting, held at the National Palace, progress on the prioritized goals of the 2024–2028 four-year period was also evaluated. The Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, presented a report in his capacity as technical secretary of the Government Council.

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The budgetary framework was designed following the guidelines of the Fiscal Responsibility Law, with the aim of preserving the sustainability of public finances. According to Paliza, next year's budget will prioritize the continuity of public policies focused on improving the quality of life, such as the reform of the National Police, the salary increase for medical personnel, and the strengthening of essential services. Also, a special allocation of resources for the Central Electoral Board was announced with a view to the new Identity and Electoral Card project.

“The Government will continue to implement a policy of review and spending efficiency, ensuring that every peso invested responds to the true needs of the citizenry,” Paliza affirmed.

Economic Growth and International Confidence

The minister also highlighted the country's economic stability amid a challenging global context. As of April this year, the Dominican Republic received 4.3 million visitors, representing a 7% growth compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, accumulated exports as of May reached US$5.639 billion, with a year-on-year increase of 8.6%. Of that total, agricultural exports contributed US$838 million in the first quarter alone.

Among the most outstanding achievements, it was highlighted that:

• The country climbed 39 positions in the World Economic Forum's regulatory ease index.
• Advanced 20 places in the UN's E-Government Index.
• Improved 39 positions in the corruption perception index, according to Transparency International.

In addition, it was announced that the program "Zero Bureaucracy", promoted by the OGTIC, was selected as a finalist in the NovaGob Excellence Awards 2025, in the Digital Transformation category, obtaining a score of 4.48 out of 5, the highest in its category.

"We are transforming the way citizens interact with the State. That this initiative is recognized internationally is a source of pride," added Paliza.

Goals for the 2024-2028 Quadrennium

The goals prioritized by the Government for this period are:

• Increase life expectancy at birth
• Reduce the homicide rate
• Increase the quality infrastructure index
• Raise the weight of the middle class
• Increase GDP per capita
• Increase labor formality
• Improve effective years of learning
• Decrease multidimensional poverty in rural areas