Joel Santos is confirmed as Minister of the Presidency

President Luis Abinader issued Decree 481-22 appointing Joel Adrián Santos as Minister of the Presidency.

In its article 2, the decree explains that article 1 of decree 324-20, dated August 16th, 2020, is repealed, as well as article 1 of decree 378-22, dated July 11, 2022.

In one of its recitals, the ordinance states that on July 11, 2022, Joel Adrián Santos Echavarría was appointed on an interim basis as Minister of the Presidency, on the occasion of the license that was requested by the former incumbent of this position, Lisandro Macarrulla.

Santos Echavarría had been appointed on an interim basis to replace Macarrulla, after he took a leave of absence after the Medusa case corruption scandal in which his son Lisandro José Macarrulla Martínez is involved.

The new minister is an economist, graduated magna cum laude from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, and has an MBA in International Business from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in Arizona, which he obtained as a Fulbright scholar.

He participated in the preparation of the PRM Government Plan and, together with a work team, coordinated the national survey of needs of the tourism sector in Luis Abinader’s campaign ahead of the elections.

Joel Santos led over the National Association of Hotels and Restaurants, and the National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE).

Also, he was general manager of the Administrator of Pension Funds Reserves (AFP Reservas), and honorary advisor to the Executive Power in tourism.