AMERICA/PUERTO RICO - Ecumenical and interreligious coalition disputes the government's fiscal Plan

Tuesday, 13 October 2015 politics poverty religious freedom ecumenicalism

(GFR Media)

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San Juan (Agenzia Fides) - The ecumenical and interreligious Coalition of Puerto Rico has stated that workers and the most vulnerable sectors cannot bear the weight of the enormous burden linked to the solution of the fiscal and economic crisis in the country.
It is the first time in the country's history that such a thing happens: in a document signed by 13 religious leaders, and entitled "The answer of the ecumenical and interreligious Coalition regarding the fiscal adjustment Plan of the government of Puerto Rico", and emphasizes that the plan has positive ideas to address the fiscal crisis, but we must first reflect because over the last few decades austerity measures that have impoverished the population have been already implemented. "These measures have not been able to solve the fiscal crisis in Puerto Rico", said the statement sent to Fides. "As religious leaders we have a pastoral responsibility especially towards the most disadvantaged and the weakest"continues the text, which poses five questions to the government of Puerto Rico asking for a "clear and precise" answer. The questions are: is one thinking of promoting the same solution that failed before? To what extent will services to the citizens be cut? What incentives are there for young entrepreneurs? What is the basis for the creation of a board for fiscal adjustment? If one is not planning to promote austerity policies, why is the adjustment plan providing to cut funds that will directly harm the poorest people?" It is time to share the responsibility. It is time to draw up an action plan for the future of Puerto Rico, to forge a better future for the population, especially for the most needy, the most vulnerable sector", concludes the text. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2015)