The Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) noted that pessimism and uncertainty take hold of Costa Ricans at the end of 2018. This was revealed by the most recent study of the institution. According to the survey, the negative opinions of citizens about the direction of the country continue to grow after the national election at the beginning of 2018.
According to respondents, Costa Rica’s main problem varied since the last measurement in August. Now it is no longer insecurity, but the cost of living, according to almost a quarter of the people:
-cost of living and economic situation (23%)
-unemployment (15%)
-fiscal situation (12%)
-corruption (12%)
To face the economic conditions, the Ticos responded that the measures they would take are:
-reduce expenses in leisure activities (86%)
-reduce purchase of household appliances (80%)
-save money (79%).
According to the CIEP survey, the government’s management in the face of the economic situation in the country also receives negative scores. 58% of citizens believe that it has been bad or very bad, while only 26% think it is good or very good.
The CIEP and the School of Political Sciences of the UCR have systematically studied the perceptions of citizenship on political issues since April 2013. This time, the researchers state that during September, October and the first weeks of November an important social polarization took place due to the complex fiscal and economic situation of the country.
According to the citizens, the media are a source to learn about the fiscal and economic situation facing the country. Television ranks first as the most frequently consumed media, followed by journalistic websites and social networks (despite a lack of trust in the content), friendships and Whatsapp groups, and then radio and written press.