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We Costa Ricans have become accustomed to democratic life, to seeing it as an intrinsic part of our daily lives, as if we have always had it, as if we will always have it. The possibility that it could be lost, that it could be tainted, that it could even break down, is not real to us.
We always see democracy in our future, we see it intuitively, we presume it will exist because we don’t think there could be another way to live. But democracy is a social process, which is to say, it is alive, it changes, it gets sick, sometimes it catches a mild cold, sometimes it gets seriously ill, sometimes it even dies.
A democracy like ours needs constant care, just as the Earth needs water and sunlight to provide us with the best fruits. A neglected democracy is turning into a sick democracy. We who believe in the cause of democracy must work every day to strengthen it. Extraordinary acts of heroism are not necessary. Instead, they can be simple everyday things, for example, encouraging values such as respect for freedom of thought, freedom of expression or recognizing the contribution of all social groups and peoples in the daily work of the state.
Today, two essential elements of democracy must be saved: trust and the capacity for dialogue that comes with it. “Democracy collapses if control is tight. It can survive only on the back of trust,” said Mahatma Gandhi.
Confidence in the proper functioning of democratic institutions, in the pursuit of the common good by rulers, in the protection and appreciation of citizens for a free life, and in the promotion of respectful and inclusive dialogue as the only mechanism for building effective public policy making are essential elements of the foundation of democratic life.
Some have a greater obligation than others, and these include the highest authorities of the state, starting with the president and ministers, because during their terms they are the most visible faces of the democratic process. These senior officials should listen, not just hear. They must be open to understanding the needs or discomforts of the other side, proactively align the state’s possibilities with the needs of its citizens, and offer truly viable solutions, lest disappointment ensue, which kills commitment to democracy.
They must generate and encourage dialogue with other actors in the social environment, whether it is presidents, auditors general, advocates, university presidents, students, unions, workers, chambers of commerce, or society at large. They must always remember that there can be no agreement without dialogue and no dialogue without respect.
That’s why reconsidering the president’s decision can bring brief joy. Not attending Attend a meeting Citizen safety Tuesday in the Legislative Assembly. With his assistance, the possibility of a fruitful dialogue on transcendental issues opened up, but it did not take long for the participants to understand that the President would not listen, talk or inform, but would take the blame for the failure of the matter on the other powers of his government. He criticized the alleged ease of the agenda, questioned the intentions of opposition lawmakers and provoked a firm and forceful reaction from the President of the Legislative Assembly, Rodrigo Arias, who accused him of “dictatorial views” and recalled the shortcomings of the initiatives proposed by the Executive Council.
Costa Rican democracy cannot do without dialogue and respect if it is to build trust and reach the agreements needed to improve the quality of life for all. We are past the mid-term of this government, but it is never too late. It is time to loosen the reins and rely on trust. Costa Rica deserves it.
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