Nogui Acosta, former Minister of Finance and current candidate for deputy in San José for the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), has reaffirmed his opposition to the full release of funds from the Mandatory Pension Regime (ROP). This stance directly contradicts that of Laura Fernández, the PPSO’s presidential candidate.
When asked if he would support a bill allowing for the complete return of ROP funds, Acosta responded, “There is nothing more irresponsible than saying yes when one does not know the consequences of their actions.” He made this statement during a debate for San José deputy candidates organized by Grupo Repretel–Monumental.
Acosta argued that while it is important to analyze the issue, there should be no false expectations about its implications. He recounted an encounter with a man who had retired due to disability and received ¢11 million from his pension, which was spent within two years. Acosta added, “That is where I think we need to understand what the consequences are, but also for young people. It is young people we need to think about when making decisions and I believe we have not done so.”
This position aligns with Acosta’s views during his tenure as Minister of Finance, a post he left on July 31, 2025, to pursue a legislative seat. However, it stands in contrast to recent statements by Laura Fernández.
In December, during an interview on Nuestra Voz, Fernández expressed support for giving all ROP funds to retirees: “The ROP belongs to pensioners; it belongs to older adults. That’s why it must be given to them based on technical studies indicating how and when it should be done. But the ROP belongs to older adults; I am 100% in favor of giving it to them,” she said.
This marked a shift from her comments two months earlier on Canal 13, where she warned about potential risks: “There have been many countries where people are given their ROP funds, spend them, and then have no savings left for old age. We must ensure social protection so our seniors have enough economic resources for a dignified old age.”
In her later interview with Nuestra Voz, Fernández denied any inconsistency in her statements and blamed media coverage: “I’m glad you asked me that! Because the gutter press and people spreading fake news are putting out false things about me, saying I said that ROP should not be given to people. That is false!”
The issue of fully returning ROP funds was not previously part of national debate during President Rodrigo Chaves’ administration until December last year. At that time, Chaves included two bills in the extraordinary legislative session agenda that would allow total withdrawal of these pension resources. The move coincided with both electoral campaigning and a vote regarding Chaves’ immunity status. The proposals were put forward by former PLN deputy Gilberth Jiménez and ruling party legislator Ada Acuña.
