Will Danilo Medina accept the Palace's summons?

Less than ten days before the high-level meeting convened by President Luis Abinader with the three former presidents of the Republic, silence persists regarding the response of Danilo Medina and Hipólito Mejía , who so far have not formally commented on the invitation.

Mejía is expected to attend, although he has not confirmed it, as he is a senior leader of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). However, his decision regarding Abinader 's predecessor is unknown, given the differences that the immigration issue has caused between the ruling party and the opposition in the past.

The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) , as an organization, made itself available to the Central Government practically from the moment the head of state informally announced the call.

At a press conference led by its secretary general, Johnny Pujols , on April 30, the group expressed its support for a national conversation on the migration issue. At that meeting, several leaders emphasized the need for a firm and consistent stance toward the Haitian challenge.

Medina did not participate in person at the conference, which could raise speculation about his role in the process. Despite this, this outlet was able to confirm that the former president was part of the commission charged with establishing the PLD's institutional position.

When several sources within the purple leadership and Medina 's circle were consulted, no clear response was obtained regarding the leader's decision.

The meeting, scheduled for May 14 at the National Palace , aims to discuss a state policy regarding the crisis in Haiti and its implications for the Dominican Republic .

Fernandez's confirmation

Leonel Fernández , leader of the opposition party Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) , was the first to publicly accept the commitment. Yesterday, the former president confirmed that he had received a letter from President Abinader inviting him to participate in the dialogue.

Likewise, although Fernández assured that he will attend, he warned that he will not be a "last wagon" and that his participation will not represent unconditional support for the government .

The opposition has abstained in the past.

During the drafting of the National Pact on the Haitian crisis in March 2023, the three main opposition parties—the FP, PLD, and PRD—withdrew from the talks convened by the Executive Branch to offer a unified response to the situation.

At the time, opposition groups argued that migration policies were the sole responsibility of the government and its officials .

Following the escalation of the conflict between the Dominican Republic and Haiti over the construction of a canal in the foreign commune of Juana Méndez, these three parties rejected signing a document seeking to establish the country's roadmap for the bilateral conflict.

Abinader 's invitation to former presidents

In his LA Semanal press conference on April 29, Luis Abinader had already extended a verbal invitation to the former presidents. At that time, he announced that he would send them a letter inviting them to discuss the Haitian situation.

Although the objective is the same in all three letters, the way in which each former president is addressed varies.

• To Mejía, he writes: "With the affection and trust that has always characterized our relationship." He adds: "Your experience, your knowledge of the productive apparatus, and your practical vision of border management will be key to building a state policy that unifies wills and establishes a firm and respectful national position."

• To Fernández, Abinader expressed: "Your strategic vision, your diplomatic experience, and your understanding of the international context will be essential for this high-level dialogue." "I am convinced that your participation will contribute significantly to consolidating a responsible, solid, and far-reaching state policy ," he added.

• In Medina 's case, he stated: "You have demonstrated, both in your administration and in your role as political leader , a clear understanding of the social and economic implications that this crisis represents for our country." He concluded: "I am confident that your participation will be a valuable contribution to strengthening a common policy that transcends partisan interests."

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