In an interview on the program “Despierta RD,” Montas noted that although the Central Bank reports economic expansion of around 4.5 percent for the first seven months of the year, the sectors most closely linked to employment and consumption are showing only moderate momentum.

He cited commerce—with a rise of approximately 2.4 percent—as well as manufacturing and free trade zones—at nearly 3.2 percent—among these sectors.

The party official attributed part of the expansion to private construction and mining—the latter boosted by high international gold prices—but pointed out that both activities have a limited impact on job creation.

“It is one thing what is said from a macroeconomic perspective—that the economy is doing well—and quite another what is seen on the ground,” he stated.

Montas also criticized the state of the agricultural sector, citing a lack of support for producers, limited technological modernization, and problems caused by pests and diseases.

Regarding electricity rates, he expressed the view that a potential hike would exacerbate the pressures households are already facing.

The PLD leader also identified the high cost of living, insecurity, and corruption as major concerns for Dominicans, and deemed public investment insufficient to drive the economy forward more vigorously.

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