It may be a little too soon to give our new President, Luis Guillermo Solis, the title of “The Messiah”, if ever. However, his aptitude for behaving like a President and Statesman cannot be denied. All-be-it, he does not have “a hard act to follow”.
In spite of the fact that he represents the PAC Party, with its leftist philosophies, he has pledged to act “in the best interests of the Country” and not be tied to Party lines. He does seem to be tempering the hard-core leftist PAC Party line in that regard, which was largely the philosophy and invention of his predecessor Otton Solis (no relation). In fact, don Otton, seems to have vanished somewhat into obscurity of late, holding merely one of the rank-and-file positions of Diputado (Congressman) in the National Assembly.
Since the election of don Guillermo as President, we have heard little from Ottón Solis and his hard-core leftist side-kick and Party confident, Epsey Campbell. As per a previous blog I wrote, it appears that the “reigning-in of Otton” has been completed. I expect that we will no longer be hearing any further rogue public statements from don Otton, such as his intention to “review” the Concession Contract granted for the Moin Superport at the behest of the JAPDEVA dock workers’ union, in the face of a clear statement by don Guillermo, as President-elect, that he would honour the Concession Contract as granted by the Chinchilla Administration.
One disturbing trend that is developing is the increased support for labour unions generally in Costa Rica and in particular, the possible recognition of the right to strike in essential services such as health and security. President Solis has granted a one year period in which the National Assembly must come-up with a proposal to allow such strikes to occur, a right currently prohibited by reason of a veto exercised by the Chinchilla Administration, or he will issue a Presidential Decree permitting such strike action.
In my opinion, this prohibition against the right to strike in the areas of essential services must be continued. It may be that President Solis will likewise understand this policy to be “in the best interests of the Country”, when it comes time to rule on the matter. In my opinion, the Economy of Costa Rica cannot support a greater union presence.
In looking ahead at the Solis Administration, there now exists a clear “fresh-start” opportunity to put an end to “the old boys club” in Costa Rica that has existed with the PLN and PUSC Parties forever. To finally put the Country first, instead of the past political practice of benefiting one’s self, family, and friends, with the Country being a distant consideration, if at all, would be a laudable development in acting “in the best interests of the Country”.
Mr. President, please seize the opportunity to do the right thing.
