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Speaking to the daily La Republica, Pacheco hopes that the presidenta will find her path, can meet her agenda on security, economy and ecology.

Reporters Natasha Cambronero and Esteban Arrieta, who interviewed the former president, write that Pacheco's face looks more relaxed after leaving the presidency fours years ago and the health problems that plagued him as he led the country are a thing of the past and is now enjoying peace, his family and continues his work as a psychiatrist.

During the interview, which took place in his home in Rohrmoser, the former president offered his opinion on the issues of the day, like the attempted raise in salaires by legislators, the departure of Bruno Stagno, the Arias legacy and the economy.

Pacheco said that the legislators got carried away, that maybe a 15% salary hike would have been more appropriate that the 60% proposed. However, Costa Ricans are "a noble people" and will forget this.

With respect to presidenta Laura, Pacheco said doña Laura is a good woman, very well intentioned; but it would be better if her image was more "maternal", quiet and very serene.

"I don't understand how the presidenta can be seen dancing in a short skirt and boots or cooking a paella on national television. She is a fine lady and I ask God to enlighten her not to do things like that, because they can cost her and the country dearly", said Pacheco.

The former president feels that letting Bruno Stagno go from the government was a terrible mistake. Stagno resigned and Chinchilla accepted, when it was discovered that the former foreign minister had appointed himself to the UN ambassadorship for Costa Rica.

Pacheco also feels that the with patience and calm and with good adivsors and thining things through, Chinchilla could lead a good government.

"Costa Ricans do not like things fast", said Pacheco.

Asked of his opinion on the state of the economy left behind by Oscar Arias, especially since Pacheco handed over the money chest full to his predecessor, he responded "it is easy to spend what is not ones own, but the consequences are terrible. We're still not paying the bill, but just wait and see".

Asked about the retirement of Rafael Angel Calderón from politics, Pacheco said he really didn't have much to say on the subject, other than the "old leaders" should give way to the young.Pacheco Says Laura Chinchilla Is Honest But Ill-Advised

Former president of Costa Rica, Abel Pacheco, in analyzing the first days of the administration of Laura Chinchilla, says "doña Laura is honest, but she is ill-advised".

Speaking to the daily La Republica, Pacheco hopes that the presidenta will find her path, can meet her agenda on security, economy and ecology.

Reporters Natasha Cambronero and Esteban Arrieta, who interviewed the former president, write that Pacheco's face looks more relaxed after leaving the presidency fours years ago and the health problems that plagued him as he led the country are a thing of the past and is now enjoying peace, his family and continues his work as a psychiatrist.

During the interview, which took place in his home in Rohrmoser, the former president offered his opinion on the issues of the day, like the attempted raise in salaires by legislators, the departure of Bruno Stagno, the Arias legacy and the economy.

Pacheco said that the legislators got carried away, that maybe a 15% salary hike would have been more appropriate that the 60% proposed. However, Costa Ricans are "a noble people" and will forget this.

With respect to presidenta Laura, Pacheco said doña Laura is a good woman, very well intentioned; but it would be better if her image was more "maternal", quiet and very serene.

"I don't understand how the presidenta can be seen dancing in a short skirt and boots or cooking a paella on national television. She is a fine lady and I ask God to enlighten her not to do things like that, because they can cost her and the country dearly", said Pacheco.

The former president feels that letting Bruno Stagno go from the government was a terrible mistake. Stagno resigned and Chinchilla accepted, when it was discovered that the former foreign minister had appointed himself to the UN ambassadorship for Costa Rica.

Pacheco also feels that the with patience and calm and with good adivsors and thining things through, Chinchilla could lead a good government.

"Costa Ricans do not like things fast", said Pacheco.

Asked of his opinion on the state of the economy left behind by Oscar Arias, especially since Pacheco handed over the money chest full to his predecessor, he responded "it is easy to spend what is not ones own, but the consequences are terrible. We're still not paying the bill, but just wait and see".

Asked about the retirement of Rafael Angel Calderón from politics, Pacheco said he really didn't have much to say on the subject, other than the "old leaders" should give way to the young.