politics
May 9, 2026
Right-winger Laura Fernández Takes Over, with Her Predecessor, a Hardline Government in Costa Rica
The US Under Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, Noem, and the presidents of Israel, Chile, Panama, Honduras, and Guatemala attend the inauguration. The big absentee is Bukele
TL;DR
- Laura Fernández, a 39-year-old political scientist, assumes the presidency of Costa Rica.
- Outgoing president Rodrigo Chaves will act as a super-minister, controlling the political and economic agenda.
- Fernández's administration plans to address rising crime rates, inspired by El Salvador's anti-gang policies.
- Critics warn of a potential concentration of power and authoritarian leanings, citing comparisons to Nayib Bukele.
- The new government inherits a Congress with a strong majority for Fernández's party.
- Costa Rica has shifted to the right, closing its embassy in Havana and strengthening ties with the US.
- Concerns exist regarding press freedom and human rights under the new administration.