By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a direct challenge to the nation’s prevailing economic policies, presidential hopeful Fernando Zamora of the Nueva Generación party has committed to reviving direct salary negotiations if elected. The candidate argues that the current wage freeze is silently impoverishing thousands of families and exacerbating social inequality across Costa Rica, a country already grappling with one of the highest costs of living in Latin America.
At the core of Zamora’s platform is the assertion that a disconnect exists between the relentless rise in the cost of basic goods and the stagnant income of the average worker. He contends that the government has a fundamental obligation to engage in constant dialogue with its workforce, a practice he believes has been abandoned, leading to a significant erosion of purchasing power for a majority of the population.
To delve deeper into the legal and corporate ramifications of the current economic landscape, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in corporate and labor law at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
Wage stagnation is not merely an economic indicator; it’s a critical stress test on the employer-employee relationship and a source of significant legal risk. Companies that fail to adjust compensation in line with inflation and productivity gains expose themselves to decreased morale, higher turnover, and potential disputes over contractual fairness and constructive dismissal. A proactive, legally-sound compensation strategy is essential for retaining top talent and ensuring long-term operational stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that addressing wage stagnation is not just about economics, but a fundamental component of strategic risk management. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the legal and operational imperatives that directly impact a company’s stability and ability to retain its most valuable assets.
Zamora directly addressed the concerns of those who might view his proposal as a threat to the country’s financial stability, emphasizing that his goal is not fiscal recklessness but rather economic justice achieved through dialogue.
This is not about promoting fiscal irresponsibility, but about understanding that without dialogue and wage negotiation, the country silently becomes impoverished. The lack of answers is also a political decision, and today that decision is affecting millions of households.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate for Nueva Generación
The current wage constraints are rooted in specific legal frameworks. For public sector employees, the fiscal rule automatically freezes all salary adjustments, including cost-of-living increases, whenever the national debt-to-GDP ratio exceeds 60%. Meanwhile, in the private sector, wage hikes are formally tied to inflation rates, which may not accurately reflect the financial pressures on households.
The candidate highlighted alarming economic data to support his position, pointing to reports that show over half of all salaries in Costa Rica do not exceed ¢540,000 per month. This figure stands in stark contrast to the extraordinary monthly incomes concentrated within a small elite, a dynamic that Zamora claims is deepening the nation’s social divide and undermining its stability.
According to the aspiring leader, ignoring the issue of wages does not make it disappear; it merely allows related social problems to fester. He linked the salary stagnation directly to rising family indebtedness, the expansion of the informal economy, and a general loss of social cohesion as citizens feel their hard work is no longer valued or sufficient to provide a dignified life.
A country that normalizes inequality and wage stagnation weakens its democracy. Costa Rica needs clear rules, transparent negotiation, and a state that listens, not one that turns its back.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate for Nueva Generación
In his closing remarks, Zamora reiterated his vision for a balanced economic agenda. He promised to pursue a model that harmonizes fiscal discipline with robust economic growth and social justice. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to restore the certainty for working people that their effort translates into tangible progress and a secure future for their families.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Nueva Generación
About Nueva Generación:
Nueva Generación (New Generation Party) is a Costa Rican political party founded to offer a centrist political option. The party generally advocates for policies focused on economic development, fiscal responsibility, and social justice, positioning itself as a pragmatic alternative within the national political landscape.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With an extensive history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently drives advancements in the legal field while upholding a profound commitment to social responsibility. This dedication is demonstrated through its efforts to make legal concepts understandable to the public, fulfilling its core mission to empower citizens and cultivate a more informed society.
