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The previous World Financial institution government, who resigned from the worldwide lender amid a sexual harassment scandal, has vowed to deal with Costa Rica’s extreme financial issues: rising international debt — about 70 p.c of GDP — a poverty fee of 23 p.c, unemployment of 14 p.c and public sector corruption.
Tourism, one of many nation’s most important financial drivers, was arduous hit by the coronavirus pandemic, and the nation of 5.2 million individuals skilled a rise in unemployment equaled within the area solely by Peru.
“It’s basic for the nation that Chaves improves the economic system,” Adrian Aguiluz, a 35-year-old resident of the capital, mentioned forward of the inauguration.
“This new authorities has a possibility to do one thing completely different.”
Chaves, who served six months as finance minister within the outgoing authorities, gained a runoff election over former president Jose Maria Figueres — himself tainted by a corruption scandal.
The 60-year-old Chaves had been a shock qualifier for the April 3 runoff, having polled fourth forward of February’s first spherical.
Whereas he was a senior official on the World Financial institution, the place he labored for 30 years, he was investigated over sexual harassment complaints introduced by a number of girls.
He was demoted, and later resigned to tackle the function of finance minister in President Carlos Alvarado’s authorities.
Final month, Chaves supplied “honest apologies” to 2 accusers, younger subordinates, having beforehand mentioned the alleged harassment amounted to mere “jokes” that had been “misinterpreted as a result of cultural variations.”
This week, Chaves mentioned his authorities wouldn’t ratify the Escazu Settlement that establishes safety for environmentalists, arguing it was pointless and would hurt the economic system. Costa Rica, a regional chief in environmental safety,had hosted the signing of the settlement in 2018.
The brand new president has additionally vowed to enhance Costa Rica’s cope with the IMF for a mortgage of greater than $1.7 billion.
Spanish King Felipe VI is ready to attend the ceremony in San Jose, together with delegations from practically 100 nations.
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