No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaProtests and road blockages continue Wednesday in Costa Rica

Protests and road blockages continue Wednesday in Costa Rica

Road blockades persist in dozens of spots throughout Costa Rica on Wednesday morning, including on Routes 2, 4, 6, 35 and 36, Traffic Police reported.

In some locations, such as in San Ramón, the Public Security Ministry (MSP) says it is patrolling in an effort to prevent new blocks throughout the day.

Drivers should exercise caution as protests may inhibit transit through a number of important highways and bridges across the country.

Blockages may change throughout the day; we recommend checking Waze if you’re planning a drive. Identify a backup route, and be prepared for lengthy delays.

While protests typically remain peaceful, clashes with police have turned violent, particularly at night.

Michael Soto, Security Minister, has suggested organized criminal groups have infiltrated some of the blockades, contributing to confrontations. Some blockades charge unofficial —and illegal — tolls before allowing vehicles to pass, he said.

MSP said Tuesday that it had detained 13 people overnight for collecting tolls and damaging vehicles.

President Carlos Alvarado has urged that “for employment and for the safety of the population, the blockades must stop.”

Government dialogue not slowing protests

The protests began in context of Costa Rica’s plans to seek a $1.75 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To secure that financing, the Presidency proposed a series of economic measures, which included new taxes.

President Alvarado has since withdrawn the proposed economic measures and has promised an open dialogue regarding the country’s financial plans. Meetings began Tuesday.

But protests have continued because Costa Rica’s financial future could still include an agreement with the IMF and new taxes.

Various productive sectors, including the Costa Rican Tourism Chamber (CANATUR), have criticized the blockades due to their economic impact.

 

Trending Now

El Salvador Extradites Lev Tahor Members to Israel, Guatemala Over Child Abuse Charges

El Salvador has extradited two members of the Lev Tahor sect—an ultra-Orthodox Jewish group under investigation for alleged child sexual abuse—to Israel and Guatemala,...

OIJ Warns: Costa Rica Now a Key Warehouse for Drug Lords

Costa Rica’s recent drug busts, with tons of cocaine and marijuana seized across the country, shine a harsh light on its deepening role in...

Costa Rica’s Defense Frustrates Mexico in Hard-Fought Gold Cup Stalemate

La Sele faced off against Mexico in a tense, scoreless draw at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas during the final matchday of Group A...

Costa Rica Hunts for Nicaraguan Hit Squad After Exile’s Assassination

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is investigating whether a hit squad tied to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime is targeting exiled critics on its soil....

Costa Rica Rolls Out Medical Cannabis Sales with Strict Rules

After years of waiting, medical cannabis is now available in Costa Rica. However, access remains tightly regulated. Its sale is restricted exclusively to pharmacies,...

Costa Rica Aims to Close Paternity Leave Gap with Bold New Proposal

A new bill in Costa Rica aims to give fathers in the private sector a full month of paid paternity leave, matching the benefit...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica