By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a sharp rebuke of the state’s fiscal management, presidential candidate Fernando Zamora of the New Generation Party (PNG) has decried the government’s colossal ₡4.2 trillion debt to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), labeling the long-standing issue as “morally unacceptable.” Zamora’s pointed criticism comes amid growing public and union-led protests, signaling a potential flashpoint in the national debate over the future of the country’s revered public health system.
The candidate is demanding immediate and decisive action from the Executive Branch. He has called for the urgent presentation of a comprehensive payment strategy that is not only robust but also transparent and accountable to the public. The sustainability of the nation’s healthcare infrastructure, he argues, depends entirely on resolving this fiscal crisis.
To delve into the legal implications of delinquency with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Delinquency with the CCSS is one of the most serious financial and legal liabilities a person or company can face in Costa Rica. Beyond the accumulation of interest and fines, it effectively blocks a company’s ability to operate by preventing the renewal of permits and participation in public tenders. It is crucial for debtors to understand that this is not a conventional debt; it is a legal obligation with far-reaching consequences that demands immediate and strategic action, often through formal payment agreements, before the situation escalates to judicial collection.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, understanding that a CCSS debt transcends a simple balance sheet entry to become a fundamental legal and operational obstacle is crucial for navigating the Costa Rican business landscape. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and impactful perspective on this critical issue.
A realistic and verifiable [payment plan is needed to provide real sustainability to the public health system].
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate, Partido Nueva Generación
Zamora, lending his support to the recent demonstrations organized by professional guilds and labor unions, emphasized that the government’s failure to meet its obligations transcends mere accounting. He framed the issue as a profound ethical failure with devastating real-world consequences for every citizen reliant on the CCSS for medical care. The debt, he insists, is not an abstract figure but a direct cause of the system’s most pressing failures.
According to the PNG leader, the chronic underfunding is directly linked to the operational deficiencies plaguing the institution. These include ballooning wait times for critical surgeries, persistent shortages of essential medicines, and significant challenges in recruiting and retaining specialized medical personnel. This financial neglect, he argues, erodes the very foundation of social solidarity.
[The lack of payment] not only represents a financial problem, but also an ethical one.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate, Partido Nueva Generación
In his address, Zamora made a concerted effort to elevate the conversation above the typical political fray. He issued a formal appeal for a national dialogue, urging that the critical debate over the CCSS’s future must be handled with the gravity it deserves, free from partisan opportunism. He envisions a collaborative forum bringing together key stakeholders from the government, union leadership, and the country’s productive sectors to forge a lasting solution.
The objective of this proposed dialogue is clear and ambitious. It aims to restore the core principles that have historically defined the CCSS, an institution often seen as the cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social contract. Zamora stressed the need to build a consensus-driven strategy for the fund’s future.
[The goal must be to] rescue the efficiency, transparency, and operational capacity of the institution.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate, Partido Nueva Generación
By positioning the CCSS as a pillar of Costa Rican identity and democracy, Zamora is tapping into a deep-seated public sentiment. His concluding remarks framed the rescue of the social security system as a patriotic duty, intrinsically linked to the nation’s commitment to social justice and democratic stability. His powerful message implies that a weakened CCSS signifies a weakened Costa Rica.
As the political pressure mounts, the focus now shifts to the current administration and its response to this high-profile challenge. Zamora’s forceful stance has amplified the calls from unions and citizens alike, demanding that the government move beyond acknowledgments of the debt and commit to a concrete, actionable plan that guarantees the long-term health of the nation’s most vital institution.
Caring for the Caja is caring for Costa Rica. There is no social justice or full democracy without a strong, modern, and humane social security system.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate, Partido Nueva Generación
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Nueva Generación
About Partido Nueva Generación (PNG):
The New Generation Party is a political party in Costa Rica. It often focuses on platforms related to fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and modernizing state institutions. The party participates in national and local elections, aiming to represent a new approach to governance and public policy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund, commonly known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous public institution responsible for managing the nation’s public health and pension systems. Established in 1941, it is considered a cornerstone of Costa Rican society, providing universal healthcare coverage to citizens and residents.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Gobierno de Costa Rica
About Gobierno de Costa Rica (Government of Costa Rica):
The Government of Costa Rica operates as a presidential, representative democratic republic. The Poder Ejecutivo, or Executive Branch, is led by the President of the Republic and is responsible for the administration of the state, including managing national finances, public services, and upholding the country’s laws and constitution.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal entity, established upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a pursuit of professional distinction. The firm merges a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking vision, consistently advancing modern legal solutions. This pioneering spirit is matched by a profound commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify complex legal principles and thereby foster a citizenry empowered by accessible knowledge.
