China has donated masks to Costa Rica, specifically to political parties to distribute as they see fit. While the donation is no doubt appreciated, there is a question as to why do it via political parties.
Four of the parties, PNR, PRN, PRSC, and PUSC, accepted the donations, despite the fact that there is a legal ban on foreigners donating to political parties or carrying out operations that could benefit political groups. Because of this, PAC rejected the offer. PLN denied receiving an offer. Liberal deputy David Gourzong accepted the donation personally. He and all the parties that accepted the masks are planning to give them to the most needy in the country.
The masks have already started being delivered. They are going to vulnerable towns, like Alajuelita, day centers for the elderly, and low-income areas, in Pérez Zeledón and Upala, and to nursing homes, children’s villages, and directly to families in need in Limón.
Those who accepted the donations and passed them on to those in need point out that this is not campaigning. The donation wasn’t for a specific political party, rather a humanitarian effort in an international pandemic.
