Santiago.– The president of the National Central of Transport Workers (CNTT), Juan Marte, stated that the past Christmas festivities were “very timid” and that, in practice, “there was no Christmas” for the poorest sectors of the Dominican Republic, while the middle class continues to face strong economic pressure that could worsen in 2026.
Marte argued that the middle class has received “a real economic beating,” caused by the high cost of living, the growing debt through credit cards, the tax burden and the indirect impact of social assistance programs, a situation that – in his opinion – keeps thousands of families living on the edge of their financial capabilities.
Likewise, the driver leader explained when taking stock of the year that is almost ending that this reality was not limited solely to the end of the current year, but extended throughout 2025, intensifying during the Christmas season, a period that traditionally boosts consumption and economic activity.
“People are surviving: paying taxes, paying debts and supporting the country, but without the ability to save or consume,” he said.
When referring to the coming panorama, Juan Marte expressed his hope that 2026 will represent a change of course, although he warned that the current signs are not encouraging.
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In that sense, he urged the Dominican government to redirect and refocus its economic policy with concrete measures that directly impact the quality of life of the population.
Among the main demands put forward by the president of the CNTT are the implementation of effective price controls, the real strengthening of the figure of the Ombudsman, and more visible actions in terms of citizen security, border control, education, health, and national food production.
The transport leader warned that, if more balanced public policies oriented towards collective well-being, especially of the middle class and the most vulnerable sectors, are not adopted, the country could face greater economic and social difficulties in the coming year.
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Santiago.- The president of the National Central of Transport Workers (CNTT), Juan Marte, stated that the past Christmas festivities were “very timid” and that, in practice, “there was no Christmas” for the poorest sectors of the Dominican Republic, while the middle class continues to face strong economic pressure that could worsen in 2026.
Marte argued that the middle class has received “a real economic beating,” caused by the high cost of living, the growing debt through credit cards, the tax burden and the indirect impact of social assistance programs, a situation that – in his opinion – keeps thousands of families living on the edge of their financial capabilities.
Likewise, the driver leader explained when taking stock of the year that is almost ending that this reality was not limited solely to the end of the current year, but extended throughout 2025, intensifying during the Christmas season, a period that traditionally boosts consumption and economic activity.
“People are surviving: paying taxes, paying debts and supporting the country, but without the ability to save or consume,” he expressed.
When referring to the coming panorama, Juan Marte expressed his hope that 2026 will represent a change of course, although he warned that the current signs are not encouraging.
In that sense, he urged the Dominican government to redirect and redirect its economic policy with concrete measures that directly impact the quality of life of the population.
More Read
Among the main demands put forward by the president of the CNTT are the implementation of effective price controls, the real strengthening of the figure of the Ombudsman, and more visible actions in terms of citizen security, border control, education, health, and national food production.
The transport leader warned that, if more balanced public policies oriented towards collective well-being, especially of the middle class and the most vulnerable sectors, are not adopted, the country could face greater economic and social difficulties in the coming year.
