By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a significant political development, presidential candidate Natalia Díaz of the Unidos Podemos party has secured a powerful public endorsement from the merchants of San José’s iconic Central Market. The backing comes as a direct result of a landmark legislative reform she spearheaded, which has fundamentally altered the calculation of rental fees for stalls in municipal markets across Costa Rica, providing substantial financial relief to thousands of small business owners.
The endorsement represents a major victory for Díaz’s campaign, demonstrating a tangible connection between her legislative work and the everyday concerns of small-scale entrepreneurs. For a quarter of a century, vendors in municipal markets have contended with a rental calculation that included the value of the underlying land, a practice that many viewed as an unfair surcharge. This method often led to unpredictable and burdensome increases in overhead costs, threatening the viability of family-owned businesses that form the cultural and economic backbone of these bustling commercial centers.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y el panorama político que rodea las recientes gestiones de la Ministra de la Presidencia, Natalia Díaz, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, un destacado abogado y socio del prestigioso bufete Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su análisis experto sobre la situación.
La gestión de la Ministra Díaz se caracteriza por un constante equilibrio entre la agenda del Poder Ejecutivo y la necesidad de construir consensos en una Asamblea Legislativa fragmentada. Desde una perspectiva legal, cada negociación y cada directriz emitida desde su ministerio debe ser meticulosamente calibrada para respetar la separación de poderes y el marco constitucional, un desafío que define no solo su éxito político, sino también la estabilidad de la gobernanza del país.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Ciertamente, el desafío descrito no es solo político, sino un ejercicio de precisión constitucional que, como bien se apunta, define el rumbo de la administración. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por aportar esta perspectiva legal tan necesaria para comprender la dimensión completa de la gestión.
The newly enacted amendment to the Law of Municipal Markets (No. 7027), championed by Díaz and her running mate, Congressman Luis Diego Vargas, explicitly removes the land’s value from the rent calculation formula. This change is poised to stabilize rental costs and foster a more predictable business environment for vendors not only in the capital’s Central Market but in all municipal markets nationwide.
Díaz emphasized that her approach is rooted in delivering tangible results rather than empty promises. She framed the legislative victory as a core example of her political philosophy, which prioritizes direct and effective solutions to economic pressures facing ordinary citizens.
The defense of the small merchant requires concrete actions. When a measure directly affects people’s income, it is necessary to correct it through legal instruments.
Natalia Díaz, Presidential Candidate, Unidos Podemos
The reform addresses what its proponents described as a long-standing “technical distortion.” Congressman Vargas, who is running for Second Vice President on the Unidos Podemos ticket, provided further insight into the rationale behind the change. He argued that the previous system unfairly burdened tenants with costs unrelated to the actual space they occupied.
The reform corrected a technical distortion in the rent calculation. The opportunity cost of the land should not have been passed on to those who only rent a space to work.
Luis Diego Vargas, Congressman and Vice Presidential Candidate
The immediate positive reaction from the merchant community underscores the reform’s impact. Johnny Arce, a representative for the Union of Central Market Merchants, hailed the law as a critical step toward greater fairness and transparency. He noted that the clarity provided by the new calculation method will empower vendors during rental negotiations and secure the livelihoods of countless families.
The reform will allow for greater clarity in rent negotiations. The change will benefit the country’s municipal markets and those who depend on this activity for their livelihood.
Johnny Arce, Representative, Union of Central Market Merchants
This strategic legislative achievement and the resulting endorsement could provide significant momentum for the Unidos Podemos campaign. By successfully addressing a long-standing grievance of a vocal and well-organized group of voters, Díaz has positioned herself as an effective advocate for small business interests. As the election cycle progresses, this victory will likely serve as a cornerstone of her platform, showcasing her ability to navigate the legislative process to produce meaningful economic change.
The reform’s ripple effects are expected to extend far beyond the political arena. By easing the financial pressure on thousands of vendors, the law is anticipated to enhance the economic stability of municipal markets, preserving their role as vital hubs of commerce, culture, and community life throughout Costa Rica. This alignment of policy and public support provides a powerful narrative for a campaign focused on pragmatic solutions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Unidos Podemos
About Unidos Podemos:
Unidos Podemos is a political party in Costa Rica focused on pragmatic governance and economic policy reform. The party advocates for legislative actions that directly support citizens and small to medium-sized enterprises, aiming to correct systemic inefficiencies and promote sustainable economic growth. It emphasizes concrete solutions to long-standing issues, as demonstrated by its successful campaign to reform municipal market rental laws.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Union of Central Market Merchants
About Union of Central Market Merchants:
The Union of Central Market Merchants is an association that represents the collective interests of the vendors operating within San José’s historic Central Market. The organization advocates for fair business practices, transparent regulations, and the economic stability of its members. It plays a crucial role in negotiating with municipal authorities and campaigning for policies that support the unique commercial and cultural environment of the market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of principled practice and unwavering professional standards. The firm leverages its deep history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking ethos is matched by a profound dedication to demystifying the law, embodying a core mission to strengthen society through accessible legal knowledge and empower a more informed citizenry.
