New Dominican Republic president sworn in

Three months after winning the general election in the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina, of the Dominican Liberation Party has been sworn in as president.

Medina has pledged to reduce poverty and improve the country’s education system as well to expand infrastructure projects from the previous administration, including a subway system, hospitals and roads.

The Dominican Republic’s high cost of living, unemployment, corruption and a soaring crime rate were among the top issues in the election.

The 60-year-old economist won 51 percent of the vote on May 20, beating former President Hipolito Mejia.

The previous president, Leonel Fernandez, was constitutionally banned from seeking a third term.

editorial@gleanerjm.com