Watt's Gnus

Strikes in Costa Rica

Strikes in Costa Rica
1.julio.2019

https://ticotimes.net/2019/06/28/unrest-in-costa-rica-over-education-ministry-ne...

Well, Costa Rica has been striking over:

1. VAT. Truckers have blocked almost all major roads over taxes. VAT is common throughout Europe (not in the USA). Taxes have been a major issue because they aren't being collected/paid. At the same time there is much corruption and nepotism. Poor people perceive the wealthy as not paying taxes at all. (Sound familiar to Americans?)
2. Dept. of Education. Secretary Mora resigned today. The main issue? Misinformation over LGBTQ rights. The government did NOT do what some alleged (Fake News? Yeah... big time). Some churches and political parties have been vehement in their opposition to any rights and didn't take kindly to their loss last elections.

Please note that more than mere inconveniences there has been minor violence. If planning a trip I suggest putting it on hold for now. Only Guanacaste seems to not be affected (the region of the high end resorts). Travelers going north, south or east will find great disruptions. For budget travelers... may I suggest Panamá? until this calms down.

The president, Carlos Alvarado, announced tonight that he was calling people together to resolve these issues. In Spanish:

https://www.crhoy.com/nacionales/presidente-reitera-el-llamado-a-la-paz-social-e...

Don't hold your breath. There are social conservatives that do not want human rights expanded to groups they do not approve of. As for taxes... Costa Rica can take something simple and make it miserably complex. Over 100 countries use VAT... for years. It's not new. But in CR any change is fought to the bitter death.

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