President Carlos Alvarado and Eduardo Cruickshank, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, presented a multisectoral roundtable on Sunday aimed at addressing Costa Rica’s economic situation.

In a video broadcast on national television, the two leaders said the meetings will focus first on Costa Rica’s immediate financial crisis, followed by jobs and economic growth.

“We must take measures to avoid a budget crisis, guarantee the well-being of Costa Ricans and protect social investments,” President Alvarado said.

The roundtable will begin on Saturday, October 17, and will include the participation of lawmakers and local leaders, the president said. It will be mediated by Jorge Vargas Cullell, director of the television program Estado de la Nación (State of the Nation).

Alvarado said the government will pursue policies that align with the agreements reached in the dialogue.

“I assume the concrete commitment to the results of the process,” he said.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s planned negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $ 1.75 billion loan to address the country’s economic situation, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

To secure an IMF loan, the presidency introduced a series of financial measures that have since been withdrawn, including tax increases which have been criticized by Cruickshank and others.

Since September 30, protesters have staged marches and roadblocks to demand that future tax policies avoid creating new taxes.

Blockade on Monday, October 12

On Monday, October 12 at 8 a.m., the following spots were blocked by protesters in Costa Rica, according to information provided by the Ministry of Public Security:

• Route 2 to El Ceibo.
• Route 2 to El Brujo.
• Route 2 to Longo Mai.
• Route 2 to Loma Verde.
• Route 249 to Ticaban La Teresa.
• Route 2 to Paso Canoas (through the Panamanian customs office).

Blockades near land border posts have had an impact on trade throughout Central America. The protests also had an impact on domestic tourism, but led to signed agreements with the government.

Since road conditions and blockages can change during the day, we recommend that you use Waze to plan your trips.