(08/15/05) -

Pacheco’s Approval Drops in Costa Rica

(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Abel Pacheco is losing public backing in Costa Rica, according to a poll by CID-Gallup. 34 per cent of respondents rate the president’s performance as good, down six points since May.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Abel Pacheco is losing public backing in Costa Rica, according to a poll by CID-Gallup. 34 per cent of respondents rate the president’s performance as good, down six points since May.

Pacheco—of the Social-Christian Unity Party (PUSC)—was elected in a run-off in April 2002 with 58 per cent of the vote. Costa Rican voters will choose Pacheco’s successor in February 2006.

In May 2004, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua agreed to the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the United States. The Dominican Republic followed suit in August. The agreement—which would reduce or eliminate taxes and tariffs on imports—still has to be approved by each country’s legislative branch. Pacheco has postponed debate on CAFTA until the Legislative Assembly approves a series of bills related to the country’s fiscal system.

Last week, Pacheco began a six-day visit to Taiwan. Costa Rica is one of only 26 countries that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state. Pacheco will also hold preliminary talks to explore a free trade deal with Japan.

Polling Data

How would you rate the performance of Abel Pacheco as president of Costa Rica?