Luis Abinader’s victory in the Dominican Republic’s July presidential election handed him a daunting series of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the tourism sector, which accounts for more than 10 percent of the country’s economic activity and had seen steady growth. The economy is expected to contract by 6 percent this year. Close to 120,000 Dominicans have contracted the coronavirus, resulting in over 2,000 deaths.
Abinader, however, has important advantages as he begins his four-year term. His party controls both houses of congress, raising hopes for progress on his pro-business, pro-transparency agenda. Despite economic challenges, Dominicans living abroad sent home $5 billion in the first eight months of 2020, an increase over last year. The new president has extensive private sector experience, which he will draw upon as he navigates the COVID-19 economy and post-pandemic recovery.
