A Country That Needs To Regain Its Course Before It's Too Late

(MENAFN- Costa Rica News) The post A Country That Needs to Regain Its Course Before It's Too Late appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

Costa Rica is going through one of the most delicate moments in its recent history. For decades, it built an identity based on stability, security, and a social model that balanced economic freedom with strong institutions. However, comparing the current situation with previous governments, especially under the PAC administration, many social, economic, and security indicators show deterioration affecting a large portion of the population. Today, citizens feel they pay more, receive less, and face challenges that were less pronounced before the PAC, making it urgent to reflect on the country's course and the need for deep and effective changes.

High Taxes and Minimal Returns

The increase in VAT, new fiscal burdens, and higher public service fees have raised the cost of living. While these measures were justified to protect public finances, people see few visible improvements in essential services. Electricity, fuel, and basic goods have become more expensive, while wages have not kept pace, creating a sense of economic stagnation that was less noticeable before the PAC administration.

Rising Insecurity

Costa Rica has lost part of its reputation as a safe country. Increased homicides, extortion, and organized crime affect both the Greater Metropolitan Area and provinces such as Limón, Puntarenas, and Guanacaste. The sense of security that once characterized the country has diminished, generating uncertainty and fear in many communities.

Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure Under Pressure

Compared to previous governments, health and education services show significant setbacks. The Caja faces historic waiting lists; education suffers from a digital gap and lack of modernization; road infrastructure and public transport do not keep up with population growth. What was once a national pride now reflects accumulated limitations and delays.

A Costly and Inefficient State

The state apparatus remains large, expensive, and slow. Procedures that were previously relatively quick now take weeks, with duplicated institutions and an unequal salary system that deepens the perception that the state consumes more than it delivers. Comparing before and after the PAC, the sense of inefficiency has intensified.

Public Debt and Budget Constraints

Debt absorbs a large part of the budget, limiting investment in development, security, education, and infrastructure. Although revenue has increased, much of it goes to interest payments, reducing resources available for concrete improvements.

Tourism and Housing

Tourism, once one of the country's strongest economic engines, faces insecurity, insufficient infrastructure, and high costs. Housing has become unattainable for young people and working families, a notable change compared to previous years.

Territorial Inequality

San José concentrates opportunities, while regions like the Caribbean, Southern Zone, and Northern Border lag behind. Decentralization that seemed to advance before has largely stalled, affecting balanced national developmen.

Migration and Social Climate

The increase in migration puts pressure on schools, hospitals, and social programs. Freedom of expression remains, but the political climate is more tense and polarized. Many citizens prefer not to express opinions for fear of conflict, a phenomenon more pronounced than in previous administrations.

Corruption and Distrust

Cases of mismanagement, cost overruns, and opacity have eroded citizen trust. Comparing before and after the PAC, there is a growing perception that the same population bears the burden.

Youth with an Unclear Future

Young people face low wages, difficulty finding employment, unaffordable housing, and weakened education. Many consider emigrating in search of better opportunities, something less common before recent governments.

Proposals to Regain the Country's Course

To restore Costa Rica's course, concrete decisions and actions are needed:

* A more efficient and less costly state.

* Security based on intelligence and real prevention.

* Quality technical and digital educatio.

* Modern infrastructure and dignified public transport.

* Balanced regional development and decentralization.

* Less bureaucracy and more competitiveness.

* Firm protection of freedom of expression.

* Training the population for future jobs.

Costa Rica still has resources and potential, but it needs to rediscover itself. Regaining the stability, security, and well-being that once defined the country is not nostalgia: it is an urgent necessity for the present and the future.

The post A Country That Needs to Regain Its Course Before It's Too Late appeared first on The Costa Rica News.

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