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| Published Monday, May 3, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The new president of Congress, Deputy Silvia Hernández-Sánchez, in her first speech on Saturday urged the Government to send clear and specific proposals, reducing uncertainty, to be able to promote the reforms that the country requires and face the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic.
According to Hernández, despite this being the last year in office of the deputies, due to the upcoming presidential elections in 2022, "the Congress has the opportunity to promote projects that expedite political dynamics and improve the quality of life of the Costa Ricans."
Hernández proposes that priority bills should be related to fiscal sustainability, social and economic recovery in the post-pandemic.
Regarding fiscal sustainability, Hernández highlighted the projects related to the loan with the International Monetary Fund, for which she assured that an arduous negotiation will be required.
The commitment of the Government and Congress this year is vital to finalize the approval of the loan with the IMF for more than $1.7 billion, she said.
The first payment by the IMF depends on the approval of the loan, which is in the final phase of analysis in Congress. The second payment depends on the approval of the Public Employment Law, which would regulate the salaries of public employees, she added.
Regarding the economic recovery once the pandemic is over, Hernández's position is to take decisive steps to reform the State in an orderly and serious manner, which is why she highlighted the need to pass laws to help to reduce public spending.
Hernández, 44, is an economist and a deputy for the National Liberation Party. She is the fourth woman elected as President of Congress. Her predecessors were Carolina Hidalgo in 2018, Rina Contreras in 2000, and Rose Mary Karpinsky in 1986.
The Costa Rican Congress is composed of 57 deputies who are elected by direct, universal, popular vote on a closed party-list proportional representation basis by provinces for four-year terms.
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