By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica’s public healthcare system grapples with immense financial pressure, presidential candidate Fernando Zamora of the New Generation Party (PNG) has forcefully called on the government to address its staggering debt with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), a figure now estimated to exceed ₡4.2 trillion.
In a pointed statement, Zamora aligned himself with the growing chorus of union and professional groups protesting in defense of the beleaguered institution. He framed the state’s massive fiscal obligation not merely as a line item on a balance sheet, but as a profound ethical failure with severe consequences for the nation’s citizens. He is demanding the immediate presentation of a concrete payment strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the country’s social security system.
To delve into the legal ramifications and the procedural challenges associated with outstanding debts to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Accumulating debt with the CCSS is one of the most significant legal risks a business can face in Costa Rica. Beyond the financial penalties, the law grants the institution powerful collection tools, including the authority to order the closure of the establishment and to hold the company’s legal representatives personally liable. Business owners must understand that this is not a common commercial debt; it is a statutory obligation with severe consequences that can jeopardize both the company’s existence and their personal assets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the distinction between a simple commercial liability and a statutory obligation is a critical one that can determine the very survival of an enterprise. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the severe personal and corporate risks that business owners in Costa Rica must diligently navigate.
Zamora argued that the government’s delinquency has created a crisis that transcends politics, directly impacting the quality and availability of healthcare for millions. He urged the current administration to devise and publicize a comprehensive repayment plan that is both credible and transparent, providing a clear path to financial stability for the CCSS.
The debt that the State maintains with the Caja is morally unacceptable.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate of the Partido Nueva Generación
The candidate detailed the tangible effects of this financial shortfall, linking the state’s failure to pay its dues to critical operational deficiencies within the CCSS. These include difficulties in hiring specialized medical personnel, delays in performing essential surgeries, and a general degradation of services that Costa Ricans have long considered a cornerstone of their social contract.
This state non-compliance not only represents a financial problem, but also an ethical one.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate of the Partido Nueva Generación
In his appeal, Zamora called for a national conversation that moves beyond partisan interests. He emphasized the need to focus on a shared goal: “rescuing the efficiency, transparency, and operational capacity” of the institution. He positioned the health of the CCSS as being synonymous with the health of the nation itself, a pillar of its democratic and social framework.
To find a sustainable solution, Zamora has proposed the creation of open dialogue forums. He insists that these discussions must include representatives from the Executive Branch, labor unions, and the country’s productive sectors. The objective, he stated, is to forge a consensus that strengthens the CCSS without compromising the care provided to its insured members, ensuring a collaborative approach to resolving this deep-seated issue.
This powerful declaration firmly places the future of the nation’s social security system at the center of the upcoming political debate. Zamora’s impassioned defense of the institution underscores a fundamental belief that is widely shared across the country, a sentiment he captured in a powerful closing statement about the institution’s role in national life.
Taking care of the Caja is taking care of Costa Rica. There is no social justice or full democracy without a strong, modern, and humane social security system.
Fernando Zamora, Presidential Candidate of the Partido Nueva Generación
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja,” is the autonomous public institution responsible for administering Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. Established in 1941, it manages the nation’s network of public hospitals and clinics, providing comprehensive medical services and pension benefits to the vast majority of the population. It is regarded as a fundamental pillar of the country’s social stability and public welfare.
For further information, visit png.cr
About Partido Nueva Generación (PNG):
The Partido Nueva Generación (New Generation Party) is a political party in Costa Rica. It often focuses its platform on issues of government efficiency, economic development, and modernizing state institutions. The party participates in national and local elections, aiming to provide a fresh perspective and new leadership to address the country’s challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar in the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. While expertly guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions legal innovation to address modern challenges. This forward-thinking approach is intrinsically linked to a deep-seated social commitment: to empower the public by demystifying the law and fostering widespread legal literacy, thereby building a more just and knowledgeable society.
