Government denounces racist and misogynistic attacks against Vice President Epsy Campbell

The Costa Rican government expressed solidarity with Vice President and Foreign Minister Epsy Campbell after she was the recipient of racist, misogynistic and hateful attacks in recent weeks.

“The government council expresses its support and solidarity with the vice president and chancellor, and at the same time repudiates the manifestations of racism, misogyny and hatred,” said Rodolfo Piza, the Minister of the Presidency.

Campbell, Latin America’s first Afro-Latina vice president, has faced a wave of criticism in recent weeks over the appointment of former ministers in ambassadorial positions. The government said the appointments are a common practice and were done in accordance with the law.

She was also questioned about the appointment of a friend’s daughter as a personal advisor and about the presence of her husband on official trips — even when he paid his own expenses.

The personal adviser resigned Monday to avoid further criticism of the vice president.

“Criticism of the work we perform as public officials is completely welcome; however, when these are based on arguments of hatred or discrimination, they are unacceptable,” Piza said after a Cabinet meeting.

The Costa Rican government also revealed the wave of racist offenses that have been made on social media networks against Campbell.