Striking A Blow

October 2007 | Ratings Update

The political landscape was dealt a blow by a strike on October 2 that crippled almost 90% of the country's public transportations system. The protests were spearheaded by the Alternative Social Forum, an umbrella group of labour unions and activists, whose grievances covered uncompetitive public sector wages and high energy prices. Both the main opposition parties, the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano (PRD) and the Partido Revolucionario Independiente (PRI), have quietly supported the strike, in a bid to boost popularity ahead of next year's general election. Despite this setback, Fernández remains the overwhelming favourite to retain office next year.

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