April 10, Kathmandu – Laura Fernandez has been sworn in as the new President of Costa Rica. In a special ceremony held on Friday at the National Stadium in San Jose, she officially took office for a four-year term. The outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves handed over the presidential insignia, known as the “sash,” to the 39-year-old Fernandez. The event was attended by approximately 20,000 members of the public along with distinguished guests from various countries.
Fernandez was the candidate of the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO), which holds a full majority in parliament. She won the February 1 election, outperforming several opponents. A political scientist by training, she has previously served as Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy, followed by a tenure as Minister of the Presidency. Fernandez has prioritized a tough stance against crime, declaring a ruthless war on criminal activity and announcing plans for a mega-prison. Her government is committed to controlling crime and curbing the influence of drug trafficking within state institutions.
Though Costa Rica has long been considered Central America’s most stable country, it has recently seen a rise in crime linked to its role as a transit route for drug trafficking to the United States. Appointing Gerald Campos as the new Minister of Security, Fernandez vowed to wage a stringent and uncompromising campaign against organized crime. During her address, she also announced plans to build a new mega-prison with maximum-security akin to El Salvador’s facilities, as well as to establish one of the world’s most advanced police surveillance centers.
Fernandez has signaled intentions to deepen relations with the United States, appointing her Second Vice President Douglas Sotola as ambassador to Washington. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Kristi Noem, the U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s special envoy to Latin America, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Costa Rica has also agreed to a recently signed March agreement to accept non-citizens deported from the U.S., though this third-country arrangement has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
In an unusual move, the outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, known as a close ally to U.S. President Trump, will continue to play an influential role in the new government. He is set to serve concurrently as Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance, a dual responsibility that is unprecedented in the administration.
