NewsWhore
03-11-2008, 03:10 PM
Despite the fact that social programs are supposedly set up to help poor people, these programs have become escape valves that encourage clientelism and corruption, reports Diario Libre today. Judicial benevolence, re-election and presidential campaigns add another layer to the ease with which taxpayer funds are irregularly allocated, according to the newspaper. Political sociologist Cesar Perez is quoted saying that "re-election perverts the actions of governments." He adds that social programs are clearly clientelism-oriented and are not subject to any type of regulation. The article in DL comments on the recent story broken by journalist Nuria Piera, claiming that PLD members are being paid RD$3,000 and RD$4,000 a month just for being CB (base committee) members. This and other aid programs dole out around RD$240 million per month in funds. The government argues that this is just a way of helping the poor. Diario Libre goes on to explain that using money as a way of easing tension has been a part of President Leonel Fernandez's political strategy, and quotes him as saying in the past that he'd rather pay than fight.
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