Costa Rica: Nationwide protests and indefinite strike ongoing September 15 /update 1

Event

A nationwide indefinite strike in Costa Rica is ongoing as of Saturday, September 15. Thousands of public sector workers began a strike on Monday, September 10, leading to a shutdown in government services, including schools, hospitals, and government services. Marches, roadblocks, and "tortuguismo", or caravans of slow-moving vehicles intended to hold up traffic, have been common. With the Legislative Assembly set to discuss the fiscal reform bill next week, continued strikes and protests are likely in the coming days.

Context 

Costa Rica is experiencing its largest financial crisis in 40 years as deficits are set to rise to 7 percent of its GDP. President Carlos Alvarado, who came into office in April 2018, is attempting to pass a fiscal reform package through the Legislative Assembly that would replace a sales tax with a Value Added Tax to all services and eliminate tax exemptions, including on foodstuffs.

Advice

Individuals in Costa Rica are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate disruptions to transportation and government services, including hospitals, health clinics, and schools, avoid large public gatherings as a precaution, and never cross a roadblock without permission.