Costa Rica: Agricultural workers demonstrate in San Jose November 3

Event

Agricultural labor organizations and the Movimento de Rescate Nacional (MRN) were planning to stage two caravan protests in San Jose on Tuesday, November 3. The first caravan was due to depart from Los Talleres in the La Esperanza area at 05:00 (local time) and a second group leave from the Sheraton Hotel at 07:00 on Route 27. The caravan aims to reach the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in the capital's La Sabana area. The demonstration is being held over the government's proposed deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and subsequent failure to agree a national dialogue over the issue.

Significant overland travel disruption is expected in the vicinity of the protests and a heightened security presence is also likely. Further unrest over the issue is likely across Costa Rica over the near term.

Context

Protests erupted on September 30 over Costa Rica's request to the IMF for a USD1.75 billion loan. The government argues that the loan is necessary to prevent an economic crisis, whilst critics claim that the loan will be crippling and the country should instead focus on cost-cutting measures and closing tax loopholes.

Advice

Those in San Jose are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate overland travel disruptions, and heed instructions issued by local authorities.