San José Municipal Council Suspends Top Leaders

The San José Municipal Council voted recently to suspend and investigate its president, Patricia Marín, and vice-president, Yalile Castaing, for alleged violations of the law and Municipal Code.

Marín was on a trip to Taiwan with San José Mayor Johnny Araya at the time of the vote to suspend her, which took place March 27, according to the daily La Nación.

Council members claim Marín has violated council procedure by preventing members from expressing themselves, and that Castaing has used a council vehicle for personal ends.

The members also accused their two colleagues of irregularities including naming personnel without following the established procedures; withdrawing from consideration a permit for Horse Shoes nightclub without authorization to delay its approval; and withdrawing from consideration a permit for a pedestrian bridge between the Hotel Del Rey and Key Largo Bar without authorization, La Nación reported.

A special investigative group composed of three municipal officials is now evaluating the allegations.