Jose Boschini-Malavassi | Nov 2024
On November 5th,
Donald Trump was re-elected as
President of the United States
In response, much like 2016, many anti-Trump individuales have expressed a desire to leave the country; among them are those who have the financial means to relocate to more affordable countries in Latin America, such as Costa Rica.
Anti-Trump sentiment has also emerged among certain elites in Costa Rica, who, while visiting friends in the U.S., have heard them say, I cannot wait to move to your country.
In response, these elites have urged: Stop coming to Costa Rica. Claims of gentrification have been made. With recent Partido Acción Ciudadana’s (PAC) governments unable to address infrastructure and economic deficiencies in the country’s coastal zones, leaving foreigners to shoulder the blame.
The challenges facing Costa Rica’s coastal areas — Guanancaste, Limon and Puntarenas — are frequently attributed to foreign residents. However, these issues are primarily rooted in a long-standing history of government neglect particularly from the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) and other major parties.
For nearly two decades, these ares have suffered from insufficient investment in essential infrastructure, environmental protections, and economic development. This chronic lack of support has fueled the very problems now blamed on foreign residents.
The real driver of coastal degradation isn’t foreign influence: it’s a systemic political neglect that leaves local needs unaddressed.
The Legislative Assembly holds the authority to address these regions’ needs, yet it has continually failed to act in their interest, especially in providing critical infrastructure, local economic development, and environmental protection.
PLN’s dominance –holding 50% representation in Guanacaste, 40% in Limon, and 40% in Puntarenas- grant it significant influence, yet these regions remain underserved. While central regions have seen prioritized investments, coastal areas face water scarcity, limited healthcare, and lax environmental enforcement. Legislative action, not scapegoating foreigners, is needed to bring real change to Costa Rica’s coastal communities.
Local Municipalities also play a critical role in implementing policies, yet the same pattern of neglect persists at this level. Since 2006, PLN has maintained overwhelming control of municipal leadership, holding 89.3% of wins in Guanacaste, 70.8% in Limon, and 65.9% in Puntarenas. This concentration of power has lead to local governance that mirrors the Assembly’s lack of responsiveness, with minimal improvements in public infrastructure, environmental enforcement, or sustainable economic opportunities.
Despite controlling both legislative and municipal levels, PLN has done little to address pressing issues such as resources management, local employment, and ecological protections. The problem plaguing these areas steam from political neglect — not from foreign residents.
While foreign residents are often blamed for rising property prices and environmental strain, responsible foreign investment, can actually support Costa Rica’s underfunded coastal regions.
Foreign capital, particularly when invested sustainably, can stimulate economic growth, provide jobs, and contribute to conservation efforts.
For instance, eco-tourism and community-focused investments bring fresh resources to local businesses and foster projects that protect Costa Rica’s biodiversity. Foreign investment, if responsibly managed, can uplift local economies and support long-term projects that enhance quality of life, such as water management and healthcare.
Blaming foreigners for problems they didn’t create only diverts attention from the positive impact they can have.
Instead of viewing foreign residents as a threat, Costa Rica should encourage sustainable investments that benefit local communities. This requires the government to align incentives with community needs, focusing on development that upholds Costa Rica’s environmental values.
Let’s go back to the real problem: PLN’s extended control in Guanacaste, Limon and Puntarenas demonstrates a clear record of neglect
Despite high representation in these areas in both Legislative and Municipal, water scarcity, inadequate healthcare, and environmental degradation persist.
The issues facing these communities result from a lack of local investment, not foreign influence.
Environmental challenges in Guanacaste, Limon and Puntarenas –such as deforestation, illegal developments, and water shortages– stem largely from weak regulatory enforcement.
Deforestation and unsustainable real estate practices continue because local authorities fail to enforce zoning and environmental laws. Water scarcity issues are compounded by a lack of investment in water infrastructure and poor resource management, not the arrival of new residents.
Strengthening local accountability would better protect Costa Rica’s ecosystems than naming foreign residents, who are often willing to follow local regulations and support conservation efforts.
The emotionally charged argument against foreign residents simplifies complex issues through several logical fallacies that weaken its credibility. It creates a strawman by portraying all foreigners as detached exploiters, ignoring the fact that many foreign residents respect Costa Rica’s values, contribute to the economy, and invest responsibly. Different claims also commit false causation by blaming foreigners for rising property prices and environmental harm without considering the roles of weak regulation and local speculation. Additionally, most arguments employ a slippery slope fallacy by claiming Costa Rica will inevitably become “the next Miami,” overlooking Costa Rica’s strong environmental protections.
By framing foreigners as adversaries, the arguments perpetuate an us-versus-them mentality that ignores the potential for collaboration and mutual benefit. It also contradicts itself by blaming foreigners for environmental degradation while ignoring that regulatory enforcement is a local responsibility. Lastly, most arguments fail to acknowledge the economic benefits that responsible foreign residents can bring, especially to underserved regions.
Ultimately, these fallacies show that gaming foreign residents diverts attention from Costa Rica’s real challenges. Rather than scapegoating foreigners, a balanced approach focusing on local accountability, strong regulatory enforcement, and effective government investment would better serve Costa Rica’s coastal regions and uphold the country’s values of environmental and cultural respect.
In conclusion, the challenges facing Costa Rica’s coastal regions, are rooted in long-standing government neglect and systemic underinvestment, not the presence of foreign residents.
The responsibility lies with both the Legislative Assembly and local Municipalities, which have failed to prioritize infrastructure, environmental protections, and sustainable development in these areas. While foreigners are often scapegoated, responsible foreign investment has the potential to support local economies, create jobs, and bolster conservation efforts.
By addressing the real issues — strengthening local accountability, enforcing environmental regulations, and committing to targeted investments — Costa Rica can ensure that its coastal regions thrive. Blaming foreign residents only distracts from the urgent need for transparent, effective governance that serves all of Costa Rica’s communities.