Dominican Republic’s President Luis Abinader, wearing a face mask amid the new coronavirus pandemic, waves during his swearing-in ceremony in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020. (Orlando Barria/Pool photo via AP)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:18 AM PT – Monday, August 17, 2020
The new president of the Dominican Republic has promised to build relations with the U.S. During his inauguration Sunday, 53-year-old Luis Abinader said he would challenge corruption in the region after the former leading party faced fraud allegations.
The economist and businessman has never held public office before, but Abinader said he’s ready to strengthen the country’s strategic relationship with the U.S.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was in attendance and took to social media to wish the country good fortune in the coming years.
An honor to attend the inauguration of newly elected Dominican President @LuisAbinader. This election resounds as an example to other nations of the power of democracy and what is possible when countries prioritize the wishes of their people. pic.twitter.com/1F242gJlo5
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 16, 2020
Abinader said he will build upon the Dominican’s democratic ideals. He made the following remarks on the topic:
“Our democracy has been damaged. I want to be very clear and forceful. In the government that starts today, we will not allow the corruption of the past to go unpunished. Whoever stole money from the people has to face justice.”
Abinader added that he’s also seeking to grow the country’s economy, which has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
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