Legislator Nidia González of the Citizen Action Party (PAC), a group known for promoting its strict code of ethics, resigned June 20 because of an ethical “error” that caused controversy last year.
In a letter to Legislative Assembly president Francisco Pacheco, González said she “made the mistake” of supporting a bill “that could benefit my family.
Though I didn’t do it with premeditation, I recognize that this fact conflicts with the ethical standards of the Citizen Action Party, to which I have belonged since its creation.”
PAC leader Ottón Solís asked the party’s ethics tribunal to investigate González last year after the Northern Zone rice-grower admitted she could benefit from a bill to return certain profits of the National Rice Corporation (CONARROZ) to rice producers. The bill was first presented during the 2002-2006 legislative term, but González and other PAC legislators resubmitted the bill to the Legislative Secretariat shortly after taking office (TT, July 7, 2006).
At the time, González said she welcomed the investigation since “one who owes nothing, fears nothing.” The ethics tribunal’s inquiry is still ongoing, according to the daily La Nación.
Solís told La Nación that González’s resignation is “a brave decision.”
González, whose resignation will take effect July 1, may be replaced by PAC’s assistant secretary general, Beatriz Rodríguez, the daily reported.
