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More Information on Protests

  Article Published by AM Costa Rica 

On Monday, former deputies José Miguel Corrales and Célimo Guido, who created the group Movimiento Rescate Nacional (National Rescue Organization in English), met with José Rafael Quirós, bishop of San José and representative of the Catholic Church, who participated as a mediator between protestors and the government.

According to Quirós, after the meeting he was in charge of delivering a letter with a list of demands for the government. Depending on the final resolution of the authorities, the roadblocks would be stopped.

Furthermore, the Union of public high-school teachers,  known as APSE, will be marching today,  in support of the protests,  from La Sabana Canton to the Congress. They are demanding the deputies for no more tax approval. The majority of the deputies of the Congress announced that they will not support the so-called government tax plan.

Since the government announced a new tax plan, the protests took place as a way of rejecting the plan to increase taxes and create new taxes as part of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, IMF, for a loan of $ 1.75 billion.

However, following the announcement by President Carlos Alvarado on Sunday, that the tax plan to the IMF was withdrawn, the protests have not ended.

According to former deputy Guido the list of demands are several proposals to move the country forward. Among the demands would be the definitive cancellation of any negotiation plan with the IMF, the control of tax evaders, and as the main request the reduction of government spending.

Until an agreement is reached between the government and protesters, the leaders warn that the blockades in the streets may continue, they said.

Protests and Blockades on the roads in Costa Rica

Different political groups took to the streets over the last week to protest rising taxes, negotiations with the IMF and other actions taken by the Alvarado administration in recent days. Most protests have been non violent in nature while others have erupted into violence. Blockades and protests will most likely continue for a few more days this week. Check news sources before heading out on the road, especially if you need to make a long trip on any of the major routes. 

This email excerpt was sent to us by the US Embassy this morning.

Costa Rican media sites indicate numerous unions plan to protest in downtown San Jose on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. The protest is scheduled to start at 9 AM at the Estatua de León Cortés (statue of León Cortés) and then proceed to the Asamblea Legislativa (Legislative Assembly). As with other protests in downtown San Jose, this protest will likely be proceeded by the movement of protestors from various directions into San Jose and may result in traffic delays. 

 

Sources indicate the events are meant to protest government measures to address economic problems related to COVID-19 (tax increases, suspension of social benefits, reduction of labor hours, etc.). 

 

Additionally, there are continued protests throughout Costa Rica. Some of these protests are blocking roadways, thereby increasing travel times.  

 

The majority of protests in Costa Rica are non-violent in nature.  However, you should exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  The Embassy will continue to review the situation and will provide additional information as needed.