Costa Rica: Fiscal plan passes first round of legislative votes Oct. 5 /update 6

The Costa Rica legislature passes the tax reform bill for the first of two rounds of voting on October 5; strike and protests continue amid diminishing support
Read all related news alert(s):
Costa Rica: Ongoing general strike enters seventh week /update 9
Costa Rica: Large protest planned at Plaza de la Justicia in San José October 16 /update 8
Costa Rica: Judge rules education strike illegal Oct. 9 as protests continue /update 7
Costa Rica: Nationwide general strike continues /update 5
Costa Rica: Major protest planned in San José September 26 /update 4
Costa Rica: Nationwide strike continues despite negotiations Sep. 20 /update 3
Costa Rica: Fuel shortages in San José as strike continues September 17 /update 2
Costa Rica: Nationwide protests and indefinite strike ongoing September 15 /update 1
Costa Rica: Indefinite national general strike ongoing
Event
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica approved the controversial "Plan Fiscal" tax-reform bill on Friday, October 5, in the first of two rounds of voting. The first round of debate was passed with 35 votes in favor and 22 against. Meanwhile, as the general strike is set to enter its fifth week, public support is falling. According to a poll conducted by the University of Costa Rica and a political research group, 46 percent of respondents support the strike as of October 2, down from 52 percent in the second week of the strike. Nonetheless, large protests continue, with hundreds gathering in front of the Legislative Assembly building on Friday and groups of protesters assaulting President Carlos Alvarado on Wednesday, October 3. The passage of the tax reform bill and waning support may have an effect on the strike, however, protests, roadblocks, and service disruptions remain likely to continue in the near future.
Context
A general labor strike began on September 10 to protest a proposed tax reform bill that would increase taxes on certain items, including foodstuffs. Costa Rica is experiencing its largest financial crisis in 40 years as deficits are set to rise to 7 percent of its GDP.
Advice
Individuals in Costa Rica, particularly those in San José, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate disruptions to transportation and government services, including hospitals, health clinics, and schools, avoid large public gatherings as a precaution, and never cross a roadblock without permission. Expect fuel shortages in areas most acutely affected by the strike and related protests.
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