The performance of political parties continues as one of the main causes of discontent among Costa Ricans.
This was revealed by the latest report of the State of the Nation that analyzes the range of this dissatisfaction, its evolution in recent years and the challenge to reverse it.
According to the document, the intensity of public discontent in political parties reached 7 points. It is surpassed by the perception of the country’s direction, the chances of getting a good job, the economic situation and functioning of the Legislative Assembly.
The report reveals that 38 years ago, in 1978, citizens had the government, political parties and the democratic system in high esteem. However, since 1998 that perception changed, losing nearly 15 percentage points, and standing near Latin American levels.
Another conclusion of the analysis is that the discontent of the population is almost universal in all social strata. It increased slightly among men of any age, in rural areas and with primary or higher education levels. However, the difference is not that big compared to other groups.
The report of the State of the Nation also concludes that institutions and the democratic system are not at risk. Despite the dissatisfaction with the situation in the country, the economy and politics, “the discontent is not as bad as that many assume,” not enough as to force a radical change in the country.
The challenge of political groups is to reduce these negative reviews and restore citizens’ confidence in the figures and structures seeking positions for 2018, a process that could take several years and that is becoming increasingly difficult.