President Pacheco Says He Will Be Handing Over a Country In Good Shape and Better Than When He Took Office
With less than two months to go (56 days to be exact), president Abel Pacheco, now 72 years of age, says that he is satisfied in leaving the country in good shape and in better condition than when he took over the presidential chair four years ago.

Pacheco told La Nación reporter while in Chile about his plans come the afternoon of May 8 when he has handed over the reigns to Oscar Arias.

Pacheco said that he would take some time to reflect and see what road he will take and how best he can serve is country. "I will take a rest from one to six months", said the president, who is planning on visiting his home town of Limon and then Esparza (near Puntarenas). He said he will use the time to "recharge his batteries."

Asked he had a job lined up, his answer was no. "No, not full time nor part-time, I want to dedicate my time with my 10 grandchildren, to write, enjoy my friends, the few that are still left, since most have died and plant in Esparza."

President Pacheco said that he clear with his conscience in what he been able to achieve during the last four years. Of course he would have wanted to do more, he said, but the lack of funds tied his hands a lot. He criticized the rich for not paying their taxes. "The rich have to understand that if they don't pay their taxes the country will crash", said Abel Pacheco.

Asked what advice he has for incoming president, Oscar Arias, Pacheco said he has none. "It is said that he who gives good advice cannot set good examples", said Pacheco. However, he added, that Arias should look at how he did things, nice and slow.