NewsWhore
02-07-2008, 03:30 PM
In a recent speech to an audience of dissident PRSC members, President Leonel Fernandez made a comment that has reverberated throughout political circles. Fernandez, who is running for re-election in May, stated that he represented the political forces of Balaguer's policies. Hoy interviewed economist and historian Bernardo Vega on the matter. Regardless of the intent of the political rhetoric aimed at gaining votes from dissident PRSC members, Vega says that Fernandez's comments represent a shift in his political philosophy from his mentor Juan Bosch's motto of "pride over money". Vega explains that in contrast with his first 1996-2000 term, Fernandez has now chosen to adopt Balaguer-style policies of giving out state funds as gifts to the public; inclusion of rival party members in the administration and other elements of patronage and 'caudillismo' like corruption as a form of political adhesion, as well as the emphasis on large public works projects at the expense of social spending. Venturing into politics is now a way to get rich quick, contrary to Bosch's teachings, he explains.
Vega comments that Fernandez has yet to adopt Balaguer's austerity, the ostentation of political conservatism and the practice of continually reshuffling his cabinet.
Vega concludes that today's PLD is closer to the PRSC and PRD principles than to the ideals of party founder Juan Bosch.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)
Vega comments that Fernandez has yet to adopt Balaguer's austerity, the ostentation of political conservatism and the practice of continually reshuffling his cabinet.
Vega concludes that today's PLD is closer to the PRSC and PRD principles than to the ideals of party founder Juan Bosch.
More... (http://www.dr1.com/index.html#1)