Limón Mayor Resigns from Political Party and Aligns with Government
Ana Matarrita McCalla resigns from Unidos Podemos, citing lack of Afro-descendant representation and recent government controversies.
Ana Matarrita McCalla, the mayor of Limón, has resigned from the political party Unidos Podemos (PUP), which is led by Natalia Díaz, the former deputy and minister of the presidency.
Matarrita announced her decision during an interview on March 26, 2024, on the program _El Octavo Mandamiento_ aired by Opa TV, where she expressed concerns over the lack of representation for Afro-descendants within the party founded by Díaz.
Unidos Podemos experienced significant growth in the recent municipal elections, increasing its number of mayoral offices from one, in Oreamuno, to nine overall, making it the third largest political party in terms of mayorships, following the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) with 29 and the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) with 20. Besides Limón, the PUP secured victories in other districts including Turrubares, Grecia, Paraíso, Alvarado, Cañas, Abangares, and Pococí, while maintaining its position in Oreamuno.
Notably, it did not gain representation in any of the 13 municipalities of Puntarenas, and Matarrita's resignation marks a significant loss in Limón.
Matarrita’s resignation came shortly after the Chaves administration accused Natalia Díaz of facilitating illegal payments to 71 officials at the presidential house under the category of exclusive dedication, and announced an upcoming investigation.
This decision by the mayor also followed her participation in a pro-government march, organized by President Rodrigo Chaves, against Attorney General Carlo Díaz.
During this event, Matarrita delivered a passionate speech in favor of the President, acknowledging Chaves' leadership and calling him a “brave man” deserving of applause.
In her interview, she stated that she believes Chaves is dedicated to improving conditions in Limón, expressing her enthusiasm for his administration, although she did not confirm any formal affiliation with a new political movement.
Matarrita McCalla was elected as Limón's mayor with 6,611 votes in the 2024 elections, outpacing her nearest competitor, Belinda Jones Sequeira of the Partido Auténtico Limonense, by approximately 2,300 votes.
Additionally, the current government nominated Matarrita McCalla to represent Costa Rica in the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent for the 2025-2027 term.
This nomination was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship on November 16. The government has publicly expressed its gratitude for her acceptance of the candidacy and assured her of full support in her role, aiming to directly link the forum's achievements with national public policies.
The PUP also congratulated Matarrita on her election to the forum, and recent promotional content published by the ministry highlighted her declaration that the designation was made possible through support from the national government and emphasized the social work of the forum.
Matarrita announced her decision during an interview on March 26, 2024, on the program _El Octavo Mandamiento_ aired by Opa TV, where she expressed concerns over the lack of representation for Afro-descendants within the party founded by Díaz.
Unidos Podemos experienced significant growth in the recent municipal elections, increasing its number of mayoral offices from one, in Oreamuno, to nine overall, making it the third largest political party in terms of mayorships, following the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) with 29 and the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) with 20. Besides Limón, the PUP secured victories in other districts including Turrubares, Grecia, Paraíso, Alvarado, Cañas, Abangares, and Pococí, while maintaining its position in Oreamuno.
Notably, it did not gain representation in any of the 13 municipalities of Puntarenas, and Matarrita's resignation marks a significant loss in Limón.
Matarrita’s resignation came shortly after the Chaves administration accused Natalia Díaz of facilitating illegal payments to 71 officials at the presidential house under the category of exclusive dedication, and announced an upcoming investigation.
This decision by the mayor also followed her participation in a pro-government march, organized by President Rodrigo Chaves, against Attorney General Carlo Díaz.
During this event, Matarrita delivered a passionate speech in favor of the President, acknowledging Chaves' leadership and calling him a “brave man” deserving of applause.
In her interview, she stated that she believes Chaves is dedicated to improving conditions in Limón, expressing her enthusiasm for his administration, although she did not confirm any formal affiliation with a new political movement.
Matarrita McCalla was elected as Limón's mayor with 6,611 votes in the 2024 elections, outpacing her nearest competitor, Belinda Jones Sequeira of the Partido Auténtico Limonense, by approximately 2,300 votes.
Additionally, the current government nominated Matarrita McCalla to represent Costa Rica in the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent for the 2025-2027 term.
This nomination was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship on November 16. The government has publicly expressed its gratitude for her acceptance of the candidacy and assured her of full support in her role, aiming to directly link the forum's achievements with national public policies.
The PUP also congratulated Matarrita on her election to the forum, and recent promotional content published by the ministry highlighted her declaration that the designation was made possible through support from the national government and emphasized the social work of the forum.
