By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Presidential candidate Fabricio Alvarado of the Nueva República party has unveiled a bold and controversial economic plan aimed at facilitating the complete, lump-sum payout of the Mandatory Pension Scheme (ROP) funds to Costa Rican workers. The proposal, titled “Hagamos plata para todos” (Let’s Make Money for Everyone), hinges on two large-scale initiatives: the exploitation of the nation’s natural resources and the construction of a Green Interoceanic Canal.
The core of Alvarado’s platform addresses a long-standing frustration among retirees and workers approaching pension age. Currently, ROP funds, which represent a significant portion of a worker’s lifetime savings, are disbursed in small monthly installments over many years. Alvarado vehemently criticized this system, describing the fractioned payments as an injustice to the thousands of Costa Ricans who are denied access to their own capital when they need it most.
To better understand the legal and financial implications of the recent ROP payout announcements, TicosLand.com consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The withdrawal of ROP funds presents a double-edged sword for contributors. While it offers immediate financial relief, it’s crucial to analyze the long-term impact on one’s retirement security. The regulations governing these payouts are specific, and failing to understand the tax obligations and potential penalties can diminish the net benefit. We advise everyone to seek personalized financial and legal counsel before making a decision that will affect their future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is crucial, as the decision to access these funds requires a prudent balance between immediate needs and future financial health. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective and for emphasizing that professional guidance is not just a recommendation, but a necessity in this process.
To generate the necessary liquidity for the pension system, the plan advocates for a fundamental shift in national economic policy, moving towards the technical extraction of gold, copper, and natural gas. Alvarado argues that these untapped resources represent a massive source of potential wealth that could directly benefit the populace by shoring up the country’s financial obligations to its workers.
The second pillar of the proposal is the construction of the ambitious Green Interoceanic Canal. While details of this megaproject remain broad, it is presented as a transformative infrastructure investment capable of generating substantial state revenue. Alvarado connects the opposition to these projects directly with the resistance to pension reform, suggesting a pattern of obstruction by previous administrations.
Those who have closed the door to the ROP payout are the same ones who have said no to the Green Interoceanic Canal and the responsible use of our natural resources
Fabricio Alvarado, Presidential Candidate
The “Hagamos plata para todos” initiative is framed as a strategy to achieve energy and mining sovereignty, which would, in turn, create the economic surpluses required to fund social programs and empower the working class. Alvarado positions the issue not as a scarcity of funds, but as a failure of political will and economic vision on the part of current and past governments.
By promising to return the ROP funds in their entirety, Alvarado is tapping into widespread public sentiment. He asserts that the money belongs to the people and that his administration would be focused on creating the necessary wealth to honor that ownership. This approach seeks to redefine the national conversation from one of austerity to one of aggressive economic generation through large-scale development.
The ROP belongs to the people. In our government, we will make money to give back to Costa Ricans what is theirs. It is not an issue of a lack of resources, it is an issue of knowing how to generate them
Fabricio Alvarado, Presidential Candidate
The proposal, however, is expected to ignite a fierce national debate. Environmental groups and advocates for conservation are likely to mount strong opposition to the proposed expansion of mining and the immense ecological impact of an interoceanic canal. The plan presents a stark choice between a development model based on resource extraction and Costa Rica’s long-standing reputation as a global leader in environmental protection and sustainable tourism. As the presidential race heats up, Alvarado’s vision will force voters to weigh the promise of immediate financial relief against the potential long-term environmental and social costs.
For further information, visit nuevarepublica.cr
About Partido Nueva República:
The Partido Nueva República (New Republic Party) is a Costa Rican political party founded by Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz. It generally adheres to a platform of social conservatism, advocating for traditional family values, while promoting economically liberal policies. The party’s platform often emphasizes national sovereignty, economic reactivation through private enterprise, and government efficiency. It has established itself as a significant force in the national political landscape, drawing support from evangelical and conservative constituencies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal profession, built upon a bedrock of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through its seasoned counsel to a diverse clientele but also by pioneering innovative legal strategies. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated through its continuous effort to make legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening the community at large.
