Luis Abinader

Luis Abinader
Born	Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona (1967-07-12) July 12, 1967 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Occupation(s)	Economist, entrepreneur, politician
Years active	2005–present
Known for	54th president of the Dominican Republic

Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona (; born July 12, 1967) is a Dominican economist, entrepreneur, and political figure currently holding the office of the 54th president of the Dominican Republic since 2020. He represented the Modern Revolutionary Party as their candidate in the general elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024.

Prior to assuming the presidency, Abinader oversaw operations at Grupo Abicor, a business conglomerate established by his father, José Rafael Abinader, who was both a senator and finance minister. Grupo Abicor’s activities span real estate and construction with a focus on tourism, concrete production, and education through ownership of a private university. As revealed by the Pandora Papers, he holds ownership in several offshore entities. In 2022, Bloomberg Línea recognized him as the wealthiest president in Latin America.

His initial 100 days in office received favorable reviews from both social and commercial sectors due to his administration’s efficient management of the Covid-19 crisis. On the international stage, he participated in regional assemblies and engaged with US-based policy groups such as the Council of the Americas and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. During the November 2020 DC Dialogues event organized by New York University, he emphasized the Dominican Republic’s status as Latin America’s fastest-expanding economy and a prime location for investment.

Abinader secured re-election in the 2024 Dominican Republic general election. In his acceptance address, he asserted that "the changes that we've made are going to be irreversible" and proclaimed that "the best is yet to come."

Early life and family

Born in Santo Domingo on July 12, 1967, Abinader’s roots trace back to Santiago in the northern region. His mother, Rosa Ramona Sulina "Sula" Corona Caba, descended from colonial Spanish lineages mainly from San José de las Matas. His father, José Rafael Abinader, was both an entrepreneur and political figure of Lebanese Maronite heritage. His paternal grandfather, José S. Abinader, emigrated from Baskinta, Mount Lebanon in 1898 and settled near Santiago in Tamboril. His paternal grandmother, Esther Wassaf Khoury Sahdalá, was born locally to Lebanese Maronite parents.

Education

Abinader completed his secondary schooling at Colegio Loyola before obtaining a degree in economics from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo. He further advanced his education with postgraduate studies in project management at Hult International Business School (formerly known as Arthur D. Little Institute) located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Career

In 2005, he was elected vice president of the Dominican Revolutionary Party and led ABICOR Group as Executive Chairman, spearheading significant tourism developments across the Dominican Republic. The family enterprise also founded Cementos Santo Domingo where he held the position of Vice President.

He served as president of the Puerto Plata Hotels Association and holds board memberships with both the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants (ASONAHORES) and O&M University’s Foundation.

Abinader has received commendations from institutions such as the Rhode Island General Assembly, Boston City Hall, and Massachusetts Senate for his contributions to public service, education, and commerce. Politically, he was the Dominican Revolutionary Party’s vice-presidential nominee in 2012 and sought nomination as senator for Santo Domingo in 2005.

2016 presidential election

In the general election held on May 15, 2016, Abinader stood as the presidential nominee representing both the Dominican Humanist Party and the Modern Revolutionary Party.

Together with Soraya Aquino, he was among the minority of candidates born after the era of the Trujillo dictatorship. His campaign enlisted the expertise of Giuliani Partners—specifically Rudy Giuliani and John Huvane—to provide security consulting services.

2020 presidential election

Abinader emerged victorious in the presidential race of 2020. During this campaign, Rudy Giuliani and John Huvane once again acted as his security advisors.

2024 presidential election

In August 2023, Abinader declared his intention to seek re-election. He successfully obtained a second term in the election held on May 19, 2024, securing 57% of the popular vote. His principal challengers included Leonel Fernández from the People's Force party, who garnered 29%, and Abel Martínez of the Dominican Liberation Party, who received 10%.

Suspicions of tax evasion

Abinader was implicated in the Pandora Papers revelations in October 2021. Before assuming the presidency, he reported a net worth of US$76 million. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) connected him to two Panamanian corporations established prior to his presidency:

• Littlecot Inc., founded in March 2011 and co-owned with his siblings, which holds family real estate assets in the Dominican Republic.
• Padreso SA, created in January 2014 with his siblings as shareholders; this company manages stakes in six entities that own properties and university extensions affiliated with his family.

Initially, these firms issued bearer shares without named owners. After Panama enacted legislation in 2015 mandating disclosure, a 2018 submission by Abinader’s legal representatives identified his siblings as shareholders rather than bearer share owners.

The offshore services provider OMC Group, responsible for setting up these companies, also incorporated Offshore Dorado Asset Management Ltd. in the British Virgin Islands in 2004 for former Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Abinader himself later established Offshore Dorado.

Upon taking office, Abinader declared possession of these two companies plus at least seven additional offshore entities held within a revocable trust. His asset declaration filed shortly after assuming office in 2020 estimated his net worth at approximately US$70 million.

President of the Dominican Republic

Abinader assumed office as President of the Dominican Republic on 16 August 2020, with his inauguration ceremony restricted to a small number of guests due to COVID-19 protocols. Among those present was U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, attending on behalf of President Donald Trump.

One of Abinader's key focuses has been addressing illegal immigration. In February 2022, he launched the construction of a border barrier with Haiti, intended to cover more than 164 kilometers of the approximately 380-kilometer shared frontier.

Border wall

The building of the border barrier commenced in February 2023. This initiative features 70 surveillance towers and 41 entry points outfitted with advanced technology such as fiber optic cables, motion detectors, cameras, radar systems, and drones to enhance security measures. Upon completion, it will rank as the second-longest border wall in the Americas, following the US-Mexico barrier.

The idea of erecting this wall has garnered support from various Dominican political figures, including Ramfis Trujillo and Abinader himself prior to his presidency, and it enjoys widespread public backing. Authorities emphasize that the structure is designed to reduce illegal Haitian immigration, combat drug trafficking, and prevent gang-related violence from crossing into Dominican territory.

Economic management

Although the administration has worked to revive the economy after the pandemic, it has encountered notable criticism. While economists recognize achievements in vaccination campaigns and some economic stimulus efforts, they point out shortcomings in debt management. The rapid growth in borrowing without corresponding capital investment could impose significant financial burdens on future administrations.

The removal of customs tariffs on certain imported goods has faced backlash for negatively impacting local producers and leading to bankruptcies among domestic businesses. These policies have not succeeded in stabilizing prices for food and essential items, contributing to an economic slowdown marked by double-digit inflation and a modest growth rate of just 2% in 2023.

Foreign relations

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was present at Abinader's inauguration. Under his leadership, the Dominican Republic seeks to deepen economic and diplomatic relations with the United States. The country joined the U.S. in supporting the continuation of the arms embargo on Iran. Abinader aligns with the Lima Group, opposing Nicolás Maduro's regime while advocating for democratic restoration in Venezuela. On 24 February 2022, he publicly condemned Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, a dispute involving water rights over the Dajabón River led Abinader to close the Dominican Republic-Haiti border temporarily.

Indebtedness

During Luis Abinader’s tenure, public debt escalated from US$44.6 billion in 2020 to $54.8 billion by December 2023, reflecting an increase of $10.2 billion over three years—the largest absolute rise recorded by any government. When factoring in Central Bank liabilities amounting to $19.9 billion in 2023, total consolidated public debt stood at $74.9 billion at year-end.

Clientelism

The administration under Luis Abinader has maintained traditional clientelist practices by distributing billions of Dominican pesos through RD$1500 bonds (approximately $30) aimed at assisting families. These bonds have drawn criticism for being politically motivated handouts.

In 2024, opposition party Fuerza del Pueblo accused President Abinader of receiving roughly 30,000 Christmas bonus cards, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the allocation of these government subsidies.

Popularity

Although the Dominican peso has depreciated against the US dollar—from 53.30 to 56.50 per dollar—and inflation remains elevated, President Luis Abinader has maintained a popularity level exceeding 55%. He holds the position of the second most favored president in Latin America, trailing only Nayib Bukele of El Salvador.

Personal life

Since 1995, Abinader has been married to Raquel Arbaje Soneh, whose parents, Elías Arbaje Farah and Margarita Soneh, are business figures of Lebanese heritage. The couple is blessed with three children.

Honours

• :
  • Grand Collar of the Order of Boyaca (awarded on 29 April 2022)
• :
  • Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry (bestowed on 23 March 2023)

See also

• List of current heads of state and government

External links

• Biography by CIDOB