Pacheco Leaving Arias A Government With No Money
Yesterday, president-elect Oscar Arias and president Abel Pacheco met for the first time since Arias was declared winner of the February 5 elections, as a first step in the transition of government.

Arias will inherit some empty closets come May 8, namely the Plan Fiscal (tax reform bill) that was declared unconstitutional by the Sala IV (Constitutional Court) and the Tratado Libre de Comercio (TLC) - free trade agreement with the United States - which still has to be ratified by the Legislature.

Basically, Pacheco is leaving Arias a country without money, a fact that is not being denied by the president, as he begins to pack his things, with a little over a month to go before his term ends.

"Funds there aren't, however what funds we are seeking to invest we will be detailing to the new government", said Pacheco.

Arias, said that in the area of the economy the country has not grown sufficient during the current administration. Diplomatically, he added that the current government had done its best but unfortunately was not able to get the Plan Fiscal passed.

The two men, as had been planned, lunched together while discussing the transfer of presidential powers.