Q COSTARICA — Former president Carlos Alvarado (2018-2022) has decided to take a position clearly contrary to that of our President Laura Fernández, who stated that Nicaragua has the government they themselves elected.
Alvarado, on the contrary, said that “Nicaragua still pains us Costa Ricans,” referring to the complex relationship between Costa Rica and Nicaragua that carries a deep, historical ache, defined by the sharp contrast between Costa Rica’s democratic stability and the prolonged political repression in Nicaragua, interwoven with decades of heavy migration, border disputes, and shared environmental anxieties like illegal mining along the border
Alvarado’s public stance aligns with that of former presidents Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014) and Luis Guillermo Solís (2014-2018), and his wife, current legislator and former first lady, Claudia Dobles, who have also spoken out against Fernández’s statements.
President Fernandez sparked controversy after stating that Nicaraguans have the government they chose. Her remarks, viewed by many as dismissive of ongoing political struggles, have drawn sharp criticism from activists, opposition leaders, and international observers.
Chinchilla, Solís, Alvarado, and Dobles, as many others argue, that Fernandez’s comments overlook the complex realities in Nicaragua, where allegations of electoral fraud, repression, and limited political freedoms have marred recent elections. They contend that framing the government as a simple product of choice ignores the broader context of intimidation and restricted democratic processes.
Opposition voices emphasize that many Nicaraguans face severe consequences when opposing the current regime, raising questions about the legitimacy of any claim that the government reflects a free and fair choice.
Fernandez has not yet issued a public response to the backlash. Meanwhile, debate continues over the state of democracy in Nicaragua and the international community’s role in addressing the country’s political challenges.