Costa Rica elects populist conservative Laura Fernández as president : NPR

Presidential candidate Laura Fernández addresses supporters after polls closed in San José, Costa Rica, Sunday.

Carlos Borbon/AP

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Carlos Borbon/AP

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Conservative populist Laura Fernández won Costa Rica’s presidency, promising to continue the aggressive reorienting of the Central American nation’s politics started by her political sponsor, outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves.

Preliminary and partial results showed the Costa Rican president’s handpicked successor captured the win with a resounding first-round victory, eliminating the need for a runoff in a crowded field after Sunday’s election.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal reported that with votes from 96.8% of polling places tallied, Fernández of the Sovereign People’s Party had 48.3% of the vote. Her closest challenger was economist Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party with 33.4%.

Ramos conceded Sunday night and pledged to lead a “constructive opposition,” but one that would not let those in power get away with anything. Fernández will not be formally declared the winner until electoral officials complete a manual count scheduled to begin Tuesday.

“In democracy dissent is allowed, criticizing is allowed,” he said.

On Monday, Fernández said that her greatest desire as the next president is to consolidate Costa Rica’s development to be able to better face global challenges and to produce solid economic growth.

“I hope that we can immediately lower the flags of whichever political party and start working only in favor of the Costa Rican flag,” Fernández said. “I believe the Costa Rican people expect nothing less of us.”

At least 40% of the total vote was required to win the presidential election in the first round.

Fernández campaigned on continuing the policies of the term-limited Chaves.

The historically peaceful Central American nation’s crime surge in recent years was a major issue in the campaign. Some voters faulted Chaves’ presidency for failing to bring those rates down, but many see a continuation of his confrontational style as the best chance for Costa Rica to tame the violence.

Fernández was previously Chaves’ minister of national planning and economic policy and, more recently, his minister of the presidency.

She was considered the frontrunner headed into Sunday’s election.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Fernández in a statement Monday. “Under her leadership, we are confident Costa Rica will continue to advance shared priorities to include combatting narco-trafficking, ending illegal immigration to the United States, promoting cybersecurity and secure telecommunications, and strengthening economic ties,” Rubio said.

Costa Ricans also voted for the 57-seat National Assembly. Chaves’ party was expected to make gains, but perhaps not achieve the supermajority he and Fernández called for, which would allow their party to choose Supreme Court magistrates, for example.

Twenty contenders were seeking the presidency, but no candidate other than Fernández and Ramos reached 5% in the preliminary and partial results.

Some 3.7 million Costa Ricans were eligible to vote.

Four years ago, Chaves ran an outsider campaign that carried him to victory over the country’s traditional parties, despite the fact that he had briefly served as economy minister in a previous administration. His framing of traditional parties as corrupt and self-interested resonated in a country with high unemployment and a soaring budget deficit.

What are the main policy changes expected under President Laura Fernández’s administration?

Costa Rica’s shift: Laura Fernández Elected President

Costa rica has undergone a significant political change with the election of Laura Fernández as its new president. The result, confirmed on February 2nd, 2026, marks a notable turn towards conservative populism in a nation historically known for its center-left political leanings and commitment to social democracy. This election has sparked considerable debate both within Costa Rica and internationally, prompting analysis of its potential impact on the country’s economic policies, social programs, and foreign relations.

Fernández’s Campaign and Key Promises

Fernández, representing the newly formed ‘Renovación Nacional’ party, ran on a platform centered around economic revitalization, tackling rising crime rates, and curbing immigration. Her campaign resonated with voters frustrated by slow economic growth, increasing cost of living, and perceived governmental inaction on security concerns.

Key promises included:

* fiscal Austerity: A commitment to reducing government spending and lowering the national debt. This includes proposed reforms to public sector employment and a review of existing social programs.

* Law and Order: Increased funding for police forces, stricter penalties for criminal offenses, and a tougher stance on illegal immigration.

* Economic Liberalization: Policies aimed at attracting foreign investment, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for businesses, and promoting free market principles.

* Customary Values: A strong emphasis on family values and a socially conservative agenda, including opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion rights.

The Political Landscape Leading to the Election

Costa Rica’s political scene has been evolving in recent years. While the country has long been a beacon of stability in Central America, economic challenges and social issues have fueled discontent among certain segments of the population.The traditional dominance of the National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Social christian Unity Party (PUSC) has been challenged by the rise of newer political forces, capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction.

The previous administration, led by President Rodrigo Vargas, faced criticism for its handling of the economy and its perceived inability to address growing social inequalities. This created an opening for Fernández, who successfully positioned herself as an outsider offering a fresh approach to governance. The election saw a historically low voter turnout, attributed to widespread political apathy and disillusionment.

Potential Impacts on Costa Rica’s Economy

fernández’s economic policies are expected to have a significant impact on Costa rica’s economy. Her focus on fiscal austerity could lead to short-term economic contraction, as government spending is reduced and public sector jobs are cut.However, proponents argue that these measures are necessary to stabilize the national debt and create a more sustainable economic foundation.

* Foreign Investment: The promise of economic liberalization and reduced bureaucracy is likely to attract foreign investment, especially in sectors such as tourism, technology, and renewable energy.

* Tourism Sector: Costa Rica’s vital tourism industry could see both benefits and challenges. While reduced taxes and streamlined regulations could boost investment in the sector, the president’s socially conservative views may deter some tourists.

* Social Programs: Proposed cuts to social programs could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, potentially leading to increased poverty and social unrest.

* Trade Relations: A shift towards more free-market policies could lead to renegotiation of existing trade agreements and the pursuit of new trade partnerships.

Social and Cultural Implications

The election of a conservative president is expected to have profound social and cultural implications for Costa Rica. Fernández’s strong stance on traditional values has already sparked protests from LGBTQ+ rights groups and women’s rights organizations.

* LGBTQ+ Rights: Fernández has repeatedly expressed her opposition to same-sex marriage and civil unions, raising concerns about the future of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

* Reproductive Rights: Her conservative views on abortion are likely to lead to efforts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services.

* Education: Potential changes to the education curriculum could reflect a more conservative worldview, emphasizing traditional values and national identity.

* Social Polarization: The election has already deepened social polarization in Costa Rica, and this trend is likely to continue under Fernández’s leadership.

International Reactions and Foreign Policy

The international community has reacted with a mix of caution and concern to Fernández’s election. The United States has issued a statement expressing its commitment to working with the new administration, while also emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic values and human rights.

European Union officials have voiced concerns about the potential impact of Fernández’s policies on LGBTQ+ rights and environmental protection. Neighboring countries in Central America are closely monitoring the situation, as Costa Rica’s political shift could have regional implications.

Costa Rica’s foreign policy is expected to become more inward-looking under Fernández’s leadership, with a greater emphasis on national interests and a more cautious approach to international cooperation.

Reporting Concerns & Content Removal

should any content related to this election or President Fernández be deemed inappropriate or unlawful, Google provides a mechanism for reporting and potential removal. Information on reporting legal concerns and requesting content removal from Google products can be found at https://support.google.com/legal/answer/3110420?hl=de. This is particularly relevant given the potential for misinformation and disinformation surrounding politically sensitive topics.