Costa Rica Elects New President Laura Fernández
Costa Rica has elected Laura Fernández, a conservative populist, as its new president, according to early vote counts. With nearly all polling places reporting, Fernández received 48.3% of the votes, outpacing her nearest rival, Álvaro Ramos, who garnered 33.4%. Ramos, an economist from the National Liberation Party, conceded the election on the night of the results.
Fernández, 39, will take office in May, succeeding President Rodrigo Chaves, who could not run again due to constitutional limits. She has promised to continue Chaves’ populist agenda, which has shaken up the country’s political landscape by challenging traditional parties and focusing on stronger measures against crime.
Previously, Fernández served as the minister of national planning and later as the minister of the presidency, positioning her at the heart of Chaves’ administration. Her campaign chiefly addressed rising crime rates in Costa Rica, particularly the rise in homicides and gang violence. Reports indicated that the murder rate has climbed by 50% in the past six years.
In her victory speech, Fernández highlighted her commitment to a tough security strategy. She mentioned plans to enhance collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and implement stricter policies against organized crime. She also proposed ideas inspired by El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, including the establishment of a special prison for gang leaders.
“My hand won’t shake when it comes to making decisions that restore peace in Costa Rican homes,” Fernández stated during her campaign. Following the election, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his congratulations, affirming confidence in Fernández’s approach to issues like narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration.
Fernández emphasized unity in her message, saying, “I hope that we can lower the flags of whichever political party and start working only in favor of the Costa Rican flag. I believe the Costa Rican people expect nothing less of us.”
