EspañolGrupo Extra, owner of several national newspapers, launched its first debate between Costa Rica’s six presidential candidates on Wednesday night. Participants included José María Villalta (Broad Front), Luis Guillermo Solís (PAC), Rodolfo Piza (PUSC), Otto Guevara (Libertarian Movement), Johnny Araya, (PLN), and Sergio Mena (PNG). In this encounter, tax evasion and the national public transportation system were the hot topics.
In particular, all candidates agreed on the necessity to crack to crack down on tax evasion. This came as part of proposals to reduce Costa Rica’s fiscal deficit — to reinforce tax collection mechanisms and upgrade tax management. Another suggestion was to adapt taxes on the basis of the income received.
Almost all the questions raised during the debate were previously submitted by Costa Ricans through social networks, emails, and letters to Grupo Extra. This debate is one of the last two remaining until national elections take place.