Historical trial

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The third of November started a historical trial against former president of Costa Rica Rafael Ángel Calderón Fournier (1990-1994) and some former politicians and businessmen.

They are accused of having enriched themselves in a financial transaction with a Finnish company that sold medical equipment during the presidential term of Calderón. The prosecutors maintain that the ex-president distributed a $8.6 million commission, that formed part of the transaction, among himself and his political friends. They also initiated an emergency law in parliament to approve formally the purchase of the equipment. At the end it turned out to be of no use for the hospitals.

In 2004 Costa Rica was shocked by the determination of the attorney general, Dall’Annese, to deal with some corruption scandals in which were involved the highest representatives of the country. It was unprecedented for Costa Rica to see two of its former presidents (of whom Calderón was one) locked up in jail. Corruption is a phenomenon that forms part of the political culture. By taking these kinds of measures Dall’Annese made very clear that he wouldn’t tolerate anymore any person to be above the law.

The trial probably will take some months. It didn’t prevent the political party of Calderón (PUSC) to clear the road for an eventual candidacy during the next elections in 2010.