Marvin Taylor Dormond, running for the PLN nomination, addresses connections with former president José María Figueres as political support dynamics unfold within Costa Rica's party landscape.
Marvin Taylor Dormond, a presidential hopeful from
Costa Rica's Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), on Friday denied any claims linking him to former president José María Figueres Olsen, under whose administration he once served as Deputy Minister of Finance.
Taylor Dormond asserted that the political support of those close to Figueres has shifted towards another candidate, Álvaro Ramos Chaves, previously head of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS).
"The individuals recognized as being close to Mr. José María Figueres have visibly moved to support Mr. Álvaro Ramos.
Therefore, this question seems irrelevant in the current context.
Most of them are there, so it's a question better posed to Mr. Ramos, not me," Taylor Dormond stated in a response to an inquiry by _La Nación_, concerning the former president's influence in his campaign.
Taylor Dormond, who officially enrolled as a candidate for the internal PLN convention slated for April 6, clarified that he does not consider Figueres a lingering influence on his political ambitions.
"He is just another member of the Liberationist party and has been an important leader," he emphasized, stressing his intent to build broad support among Liberationists and indicating past dialogues with former presidents Óscar Arias, Laura Chinchilla, and José María Figueres seeking guidance for his campaign.
Álvaro Ramos recently unveiled part of his campaign team, including Álvaro Ramírez Bogantes, who had previously run for vice presidency alongside Figueres in 2022. Ramírez will be involved in coordination roles within Ramos's campaign.
Additionally, Ramos highlighted the involvement of Vicki Ross, a former vice-presidential candidate with Antonio Álvarez Desanti in 2018, and Daniela Coll, the current President of the PLN Youth, should he advance to serve a presidential term in 2026.
Addressing comparisons with current President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, a fellow figure with international financial experience, Taylor Dormond distanced himself by outlining differences in their career paths.
He noted his extensive experience in various international organizations, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Bank, underscoring his unique trajectory in both public administration and global finance.
In his candidacy announcement, Taylor Dormond emphasized the necessity for the PLN to demonstrate service to the nation, aiming to shift perceptions surrounding the party's transparency.
His address included recommendations for adherence to party rules, transparency in candidate qualifications, and the importance of organized debates.
He also advocated for strict financial oversight and fair political competition.
Taylor Dormond, originating from Roosevelt in Limón Province, formalized his candidacy during an event enlivened by Los Brasileiros, a well-known Costa Rican ensemble.
The presentation was highlighted by Danie Sterling, participating in support of Taylor Dormond, and paying homage to his late twin brother Dennis, who passed away in 2023.