The legislative reform proposal currently under discussion by the Dominican government for 2024, covering constitutional, tax, and labor issues, presents a critical scenario. While the intention to reform is theoretically positive, the danger lies in these modifications potentially being merely cosmetic, failing to address the country’s structural problems.
Historically, superficial reforms have been a constant in Dominican politics. A striking example is the 2012 tax reform, aimed at increasing fiscal revenue. Despite promises of equity, the tax burden intensified for the middle and lower classes, while large corporations continued to benefit from tax exemptions. According to a report by the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII), in 2020, 62% of fiscal revenue came from the VAT, which disproportionately affects the most vulnerable sectors. This situation worsens considering that poverty in the Dominican Republic affects approximately 25% of the population, and inequality has been on the rise, with a Gini coefficient exceeding 0.45.
In the labor sphere, the few reforms since the approval of the Labor Code in 1992 have failed to improve working conditions. The high level of informality, which reached 57% in 2021 according to the National Workforce Survey (ENFT), is an alarming indicator. This precarious labor situation affects millions of Dominicans who lack guaranteed labor rights. Ignoring the need to review the social security system, which currently does not adequately cover a large part of the population, is a missed opportunity to address these structural issues.
Constitutional reforms, such as the one in 2010, introduced significant changes but have not managed to combat endemic corruption. A 2021 report by Transparency International ranked the Dominican Republic 137th out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index, showing that reforms have not had a tangible effect in combating this phenomenon. Furthermore, corruption perception has been on the rise; a study by Iberoamerican University indicated that 70% of Dominicans believe corruption has worsened in recent years.
A critical element in this process is timing. The speed with which these reforms are being pushed forward leaves no room for deep, reflective analysis. Everything indicates that we already have constitutional reform. And I wonder, how deeply was it analyzed?
According to a study by the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, only 30% of the population feels that their opinions are considered in the legislative process. This highlights the need to involve society in the debate on these reforms to identify true priorities and prevent them from becoming a mere exercise in appearance.
Furthermore, the risk that these reforms will be pushed through without thorough analysis could lead to social polarization and increased distrust in institutions. Recent history in Latin America shows how poorly implemented changes can lead to discontent and political crises. Rising inflation and the cost of living are factors that could lead the population to feel that their needs are not being met, resulting in devastating social consequences.
In conclusion, the recent reforms proposed by the Dominican government are an opportunity to move towards a fairer and more equitable system, but only if they are addressed in a deep and responsible manner. We cannot allow a lack of analysis to turn this process into a superficial exercise. It is crucial to allow time and space for discussion, reflection, and effective citizen participation. Only in this way will reforms truly impact the lives of Dominicans and strengthen the country’s foundations. It is time to understand that not every dissenting opinion is opposition.
To ensure these reforms are not mere formalities, it is imperative to create open forums and government ears genuinely willing to listen, where citizens, experts, and representatives of civil society can share their perspectives and build concrete proposals. Additionally, it is vital to establish accountability and follow-up mechanisms to evaluate the impact of the reforms over time. Reforms cannot continue to be a blank check. Fostering inclusive dialogue and a genuine commitment to the needs of the population is key to turning this juncture into a real opportunity for change, laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future for all Dominicans.
Written by:
Mónica Villafaña – [email protected]
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