Laura Fernandez sworn in as Costa Rica president, vows tough crackdown on organised crime
Costa Rica’s new president Laura Fernandez vows to tackle rising crime and deepen ties with the United States as her right‑wing party takes an absolute legislative majority.
Fernandez takes office with immediate security and foreign policy priorities
Laura Fernandez was sworn in as Costa Rica’s president on Friday, promising an aggressive campaign against organised crime and a closer relationship with the United States. The 39‑year‑old leader entered office after winning the February 1 presidential contest and assumes power with a clear legislative mandate.
Her victory was accompanied by broad policy promises that place security and international alignment at the centre of her agenda. Fernandez has framed crime reduction and judicial reform as top priorities for the new administration.
Outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves to retain influential cabinet roles
In an unusual transition, outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves will remain inside the government as minister of the presidency and minister of finance. The arrangement ensures Chaves continues to exercise significant influence over policy and budgetary decisions.
Analysts say the dual appointments could help maintain continuity on fiscal matters while also shaping the political direction of Fernandez’s cabinet. Critics have questioned whether a former head of state holding such consolidated roles may blur lines of accountability within the new administration.
Security overhaul led by new minister Gerald Campos
Fernandez introduced Gerald Campos as her security minister just days after taking office, signalling a rapid start to her law‑and‑order program. Campos will lead the implementation of measures Fernandez described as a hardline response to organised crime.
The president used forceful language, pledging an uncompromising approach to criminal networks that have increasingly exploited Costa Rica as a transit corridor for drug smuggling. Officials say operational details will be rolled out in the coming weeks, including changes to policing and prosecutorial priorities.
Prison construction modelled on El Salvador’s high‑security centre
As part of the security package, Costa Rica plans to build a maximum‑security prison modelled on El Salvador’s controversial CECOT anti‑terrorism facility. The project is aimed at segregating high‑risk criminals and disrupting gang command structures operating across borders.
Human rights organisations have expressed alarm at the approach, pointing to reports of detainees held without trial in neighbouring countries’ facilities. Fernandez’s government has defended the plan as a necessary step to halt a recent surge in violent crime and drug trafficking through Costa Rican territory.
Deportation agreement and human rights concerns
In March, Costa Rica agreed to accept non‑citizens deported from the United States under a new “third‑country” arrangement, a policy Fernandez’s administration intends to uphold. Rights groups warn the deals risk leaving deportees stranded in nations where they may have no ties and could face poor conditions.
The president’s acceptance of the pact underscores a willingness to cooperate with U.S. migration and security priorities, even as critics urge safeguards to ensure humane treatment and due process for those returned. Fernandez has said the government will coordinate reception and screening procedures with international partners.
Diplomatic signals at the inauguration underscore US and Israeli ties
The attendance of high‑profile international figures at the inauguration sent clear diplomatic signals about Fernandez’s orientation. Kristi Noem, the U.S. special envoy leading a regional security initiative, was present, and Fernandez named Douglas Soto, her second vice president, as ambassador to Washington.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also attended, reflecting a desire to broaden bilateral engagement amid regional and global tensions. Those diplomatic ties come at a time when Costa Rica is navigating the international fallout from the conflict in Gaza and broader debates over security cooperation in Latin America.
PPSO’s absolute majority gives Fernandez legislative room to act
Fernandez’s Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) secured 31 of 57 seats in the single‑chamber legislature, handing the president an absolute majority as she begins her term. That numerical advantage is likely to ease the passage of her proposed judicial reforms and security measures.
Political observers note that a parliamentary majority reduces the need for cross‑party negotiation but raises expectations for prompt delivery on campaign promises. Opposition figures have pledged to scrutinise emergency powers and the legal frameworks underpinning the new security strategy.
Costa Rica’s new administration faces the twin challenge of delivering tangible reductions in crime while balancing international partnerships and domestic concerns over civil liberties and detainee treatment. As Fernandez moves to implement her agenda, close monitoring by rights groups and regional partners is expected to shape the policy debates ahead.