QCOSTARICA – U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump’s promise to limit foreign operations raises concerns in Costa Rica, where thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in foreign investment could fizzle from the country, if he is elected.
For this reason, among others, many in Costa Rica see the importance of Hillary Clinton being elected president of the United States, which according to an article in La Republica, has the unanimous support of a number of prominent Costa Rican politicians.
As to the economic proposal, Donal Trump proposes to bring back U.S. companies with operations in other countries, including Costa Rica, with tax reductions. There is also the fear that a Trump presidency would break the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) the U.S. signed with Central America.
Moreover, Clinton has been recognized as an experienced, restrained and with global vision to meet the challenges of her country and the region.
With respect to a possible Trump win, former Costa Rica president Rafael Ángel Calderón says, “Every day I ask God for Clinton to win, because Mr. Trump would be a real disgrace for America and the world for its fundamentalist positions…The Republican candidate has no respect for anything or anyone and his explosive temper can not trust anyone…For Costa Rica imperiled is the FTA with the United States, including the thousands of jobs that have been generated by that agreement.”
Former President Abel Pacheco says, “Trump Is Interesting … As A Psychiatric Case and considers a Trump win would not only be bad for Latin America but for all humanity.”
Antonio Alvarez, president of the Legislative Assembly says, “Trump’s speech is anti Latino Americano with a vision of defense of trade and jobs in the United States. This would translate into an affectation to foreign investment, while reducing employment in countries like Costa Rica. I do not think he can break the FTA, but it could seek mechanisms to affect the direct application of treaties, especially because his policies seem unpredictable. Meanwhile, a Clinton victory gives tranquility to the private sector, because it provides a continuity of policies.”
Patricia Mora, president of the Frente Amplio party says, “I think Trump would be a shame for the United States and a serious threat to mankind. He should not occupy the presidential seat of that power, or access to nuclear power. What would be better for us?, I see it rather as what is an affront to all human beings?, although I must admit that women’s leadership in the US, would generate a positive effect on the fight for equality…that man is unpredictable and sees underhanded Latin America.”
Otton Solis, legislator and former presidential candidate for the PAC, says “Trump is a person in whose heart and head have yet to accept human rights and values since the French Revolution and his proposals are widely discriminatory for those who are not white and American. My candidate was Bernie Sanders, but in the current situation, what’s best for Costa Rica and Latin America is for Clinton to win.”
Source La Republica
