Q24N — Venezuelan activist and political leader María Corina Machado was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize this Friday, in recognition of her tireless work defending democratic rights in Venezuela and for her role in seeking a peaceful transition to a representative system.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized Machado’s career as one of the most influential and courageous figures in the region.
“The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize is awarded to a champion committed to peace, to a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid growing darkness,” the official statement said.
Machado has dedicated more than two decades to promoting free and fair elections, through initiatives such as Súmate, an organization she founded to strengthen democratic development in Venezuela.
“It was a choice of bullets or votes,” the Committee recalled, citing the leader’s conviction in rejecting violence as a political option.
In her role as opposition leader, she managed to become a symbol of unity in a historically divided movement, rallying different sectors under a common banner: the defense of the vote and popular representation.
“The heart of democracy lies in our willingness to defend the principle of government by the people, even when we disagree,” the Committee stated, referring to Machado’s ability to build bridges in times of political division.
A country in crisis
The awarding of the Nobel Prize occurs amid the deepest crisis in Venezuela’s recent history. According to the Committee, the country “has gone from being relatively democratic and prosperous to becoming an authoritarian state, marked by poverty, the exile of nearly eight million people, and systematic repression against the opposition.”
In this context, Machado faced exclusion from her presidential candidacy in 2024 when she supported another opposition representative, Edmundo González Urrutia.
Despite the restrictions, thousands of volunteers mobilized as election observers across the country to document the voting records and prevent vote manipulation, risking arrest, harassment, and torture.
“The collective effort of the opposition was innovative and courageous, peaceful and democratic,” the Committee noted, emphasizing that the data collected confirmed the opposition’s victory, even though the regime refused to recognize the results.
Over the past year, Machado has had to live in hiding due to threats against his life, but he has remained in Venezuela as a gesture of commitment to his cause.
“Despite serious threats, he has remained in his country, a decision that has inspired millions,” the Committee stated.
The recognition highlights that his work reflects the principles of Alfred Nobel’s testament: nonviolent resistance, unity of peoples, and the struggle for a peaceful transition.
“María Corina Machado has demonstrated that the tools of democracy are also the tools of peace. She represents the hope for a different future, where citizens’ fundamental rights are respected and their voices heard,” the organization emphasized.
An award with a global message
The Committee’s decision falls within an international context in which it emphasized, “more and more authoritarian regimes abuse the rule of law, silence the free press, and imprison critics.” In the face of this trend, the Nobel Peace Prize recognizes those, like Machado, who resist with words, courage, and determination.
“When authoritarians cling to power, it is crucial to recognize the defenders of freedom who stand up and resist,” the statement concluded.
Q COSTARICA — Not even the pandemic has hit youth employment in Costa Rica as hard as it has in recent months: the number of young people outside the labor force has reached 65%, meaning that practically two out of three are out of the labor market.
It could be argued that this figure isn’t so alarming if it were simply that people between the ages of 15 and 24 (those who fall into the youth employment category) are abandoning jobs and instead staying in classrooms.
However, the data on the increase in people in the Ni-Nis category (those who neither study nor work) suggests a decline in this area as well, to the point that Costa Rica has become one of the international leaders in this disreputable category.
Additionally, the number of young people seeking employment—20.4%, according to the Continuous Employment Survey (ECE) report from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) for the period from May to July 2025—practically triples the national unemployment average—6.6% in the same Continuous Employment Survey (ECE) report—which reveals a lack of opportunities to enter the labor market.
But also, when looking at the international stage, the country is in a disadvantageous position.
At the Latin American level, Costa Rica stands out among the leaders in youth unemployment—second in the area—and although it has managed to reduce this unemployment in recent months, its position relative to the regional average has deteriorated over the decade, widening the gap from four to ten percentage points. (See box: “Costa Rica lags further behind in youth employment.”)
The Aging Labor Market
A first element to consider in this regard is the reduction in the percentage of young people in the country, a situation linked to demographic factors and a higher number of children per family: the population aged 15 to 24 has decreased from 32.7% in 2015 to 16.5% in 2025, a 16% drop over the decade.
However, the number of young people in the labor market decreased much more: 36% over the decade, from 392,533 in 2015 to 247,329 in 2025, according to ECE reports.
This was also reflected in the number of young people who reported being employed, which fell from 307,208 in 2015 to 196,759: a drop of more than 100,000 young people in jobs over the decade.
In terms of the weight that young people represent in this labor market, they went from representing 17% of the entire labor force in 2015 to only 10% in 2025. Meanwhile, in jobs, young people went from representing 14% to only 9% over the same period.
However, the relevant data points to the growing exodus of young people from the labor force. At first glance, this might not seem like a critical figure; it goes from 454,000 in 2015 to 458,000 in 2025. But when reviewing their representation of young people of working age, it goes from 53% to 65%.
In other words, in just ten years, the young population went from half to just a third in terms of participation in the labor market. And this has not been reflected in improvements in the percentages of education and training.
Unaddressed Debt
Researcher Roxana Morales of the Economic and Social Observatory of the National University (UNA) commented that this is not a recent situation, as the youth unemployment rate has long been plagued by unresolved challenges.
“The unemployment rate has always had its face, such as women and young people. When it comes to young people, it is difficult for them to find work because some have not completed their studies or lack work experience. This is a situation the country must reverse,” she stated.
Morales indicated that medium- and long-term actions are required, not limited to productive aspects. She emphasized that this agenda requires attracting more people to study, both high school and higher education, and expanding the offerings by increasing technical training.
The researcher made special mention of the Ni-Nis, those who neither study nor work (approximately 20% of young people), with special emphasis on those in this category without any obligation and without preparing for the future: approximately 62,000 young people, approximately 8% of the total, and a 20% increase in six years.
Furthermore, at the policy level, Morales emphasized the need for a more comprehensive vision, which also includes the need to generate lower-skilled jobs, without abandoning the creation of quality jobs. “Free trade zones generally require skilled labor, but that’s not the only sector; there are also other areas that are losing competitiveness, such as tourism and agriculture. We must think about a diversified economy for all people,” he said.
Looking to the Future
Hence, there are aspects that need to be redefined. Although youth employment has decreased in the country since 2020, it is still at pre-pandemic levels, with no structural improvement.
It is necessary to explore the decline in labor force participation, since if it is not matched by training, it could imply that the country is devaluing its development possibilities.
“Faced with the accelerated growth of the population aged 60 and over, and the reduction of the youth population and the labor force, the country must begin to make decisions. The effects will not be seen in the short term, but they will be felt,” warned Morales.
These challenges arise on several fronts: on the one hand, the possibility of a growing portion of the population that is not preparing for the future, with potential effects on the vulnerability of these sectors; and on the other, an increasingly reduced and fatigued workforce, lacking proper renewal and with a growing workload.
However, for the time being, it seems to be receiving insufficient attention. Just look at a government whose main legislative focus is simply to provide legal certainty to companies that already offer 12-hour workweeks.
Q COSTARICA — The San José Criminal Court ruled this Tuesday to authorize the extradition of former magistrate and former minister Celso Manuel Gamboa Sánchez to the United States, where he is wanted for alleged international drug trafficking and money laundering.
The decision was announced hours after his defense attorney filed a brief asking Judge William Serrano to issue the ruling “as soon as possible” and personally serve it while the former official was in court for another legal case.
Final Resolution
The court ruling concludes the ten-day review period during which the judge considered the evidence and arguments of the parties.
The case was processed following a formal request from the United States government, which accuses Gamboa of having ties to drug trafficking networks in several countries in the region.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) profiles him as a regional coordinator of the Gulf Cartel, with connections extending to Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. It also links him to the Sinaloa Cartel and the Gulf Clan.
What’s next after the ruling?
With judicial authorization, the file will be passed to the Third Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, which must review the proceedings before final delivery to US authorities.
The defense, led by Natalia Gamboa (Celso’s sister) and Michael Castillo, may file legal appeals to try to stop the rendition, although the Criminal Court’s ruling represents a decisive and historic step.
Gamboa was arrested on June 23, 2025, along with two other Costa Ricans: Edwin Danney López Vega (alias “Pecho de Rata”) and Jonathan Guillermo Álvarez Alfaro (“Profeo” or “Gato”), both also wanted by U.S. justices.
The defense team had stated that Gamboa had no high expectations of a favorable ruling, although they assured that they would seek to exhaust all legal avenues before his transfer to U.S. territory is finalized.
Q COSTARICA — The murder of Kevin Kirby, the 27-year-old whose body was found on the banks of the María Aguilar River in Hatillo 8, has taken a turn that completely changes the initial version of the case.
Although the hypothesis circulated on social media that he was murdered to steal his luxurious Ford Raptor pickup, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) confirmed that this was never the official line of investigation.
Randall Zúñiga, director of the OIJ, explained that those responsible were not after Kirby’s vehicle, but rather his money. According to him, initial investigations indicate that the young man was tricked into going to a home in the María Reina neighborhood in the Pavas district, where several people held him captive and tried to access his bank accounts.
“The police hypothesis is that he was taken to that area, where he was subdued, and the captors tried to extort money from him through his accounts. At some point, something happened, and he died where they were holding him. They then dumped his body near a bridge,” said Zúñiga.
Kirby’s vehicle was later recovered in Atenas, Alajuela, but its discovery was not directly related to the motive for the crime.
Authorities also confirmed that two people had previously contacted Kirby and allegedly drove him to the scene of his death. However, it has not yet been determined whether they had a close relationship with the victim.
Kevin Kirby disappeared on Sunday, September 28, after attending a party in Sabanilla de Montes de Oca, on the east side of San José. Days later, his body was found with multiple stab wounds in Hatillo 8 on October 1, near the banks of the Río María Aguilar that runs through the capital city of San José, unleashing a wave of shock among his family and friends.
The case remains under investigation, while the country closely watches one of the most shocking crimes of recent weeks unfold, marked by betrayal, greed, and a tragic end for a young man full of life.
Kirby was well-known and much loved within the local surfing community, which has been deeply affected by his tragic death.
The murder of Kevin Kirby has added to concerns about violence in the country.
Q COSTARICA — The iconic Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light), one of Costa Rica’s most beloved Christmas celebrations, could undergo a historic transformation in its 2025 edition.
The Municipality of San José confirmed that a complete change of route is underway, which would abandon the traditional route along Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda.
The Festival de la Luz, officially marking the start of Christmas in San José, originated in 1996, when the Municipality organized the first parade of floats and the country’s best bands. Along its route along Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda, the parade provided Costa Ricans with a grand spectacle of color and joy.
According to Kattia Mora Segura, interim head of the municipality’s Department of Cultural Services, the route will be a “360-degree” – a full circle around La Sabana Metropolitan Park, in a carousel-like format -, that is, a closed circuit where the floats and parades would rotate without proceeding through the center of the capital.
“This year’s route is a modification compared to previous editions; it will be around La Sabana, in carousel mode,” Mora stated during a session of the San José Municipal Council’s Finance Committee.
San José businesses express their discontent
The decision has not been without criticism. Although some celebrate the renovation of the new Festival route as an opportunity to ease traffic congestion and offer a different experience to the public, not everyone shares that enthusiasm.
Businesses located along the traditional route have expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that the modification could represent an economic impact.
The president of the Costa Rican Chamber of Restaurants (Cacore), Mauricio Rodríguez, told CR Hoy that the institution expressed its concern about the situation due to the great discontent they maintain, as he finds it difficult to understand how a change can be made after so many years of carrying out the same route.
Yorleny Córdoba, a council member for the Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PPSD), expressed concern about the impact this change could have on the licensees and merchants who traditionally benefit from the event in the city center.
Mora, who took office in August, acknowledged that the decision had already been made before her arrival at the municipality, but assured that she would convey her concerns to the other bodies responsible for organizing it.
A Reinvented Tradition
Since its creation in 1996, the Festival de la Luz has traveled approximately 3.2 km, from the Gimnasio Municipal, then along Paseo Colón and Avenida Segunda, filling the heart of San José with lights, music, and color, on the evening of the second Saturday of December.
However, the proposal for 2025 would also reconfigure the spaces for the public, who could be located at different points along the Sabana perimeter, similar to what happens in other international parades with a circular format.
Although the modification is not yet final, everything indicates that the Sabana will become the new stage for the most anticipated parade of the year, marking a turning point in the history of the Festival de la Luz.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s national team, La Sele, kept their 2026 World Cup dreams alive with a 0-0 draw against Honduras on Thursday night.
They knew they needed points to stay in the hunt for a spot in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada World Cup. So, backed by their fans at San Pedro Sula’s Francisco Morazán Stadium, Costa Rica played smart and steady against the group leader.
This wasn’t the night for flashy, fancy football.
What mattered was grabbing points however they could—whether that meant grinding out tackles or slowing the game down.
Honduras, on the other hand, was eager to use its home advantage to secure a win and move closer to qualifying. They were especially motivated, having a tough match against Haiti coming up on Monday, a key rival after beating Nicaragua 3-0.
The match turned into a tactical battle, almost like a chess game, with both teams prioritizing defense over attack.
They knew pushing too hard would be madness that could cost them dearly, so caution ruled the night.
As the hosts, Canada, Mexico, and the United States all automatically qualified
With Canada, the USA, and Mexico out of the prequalifying stages for the World Cup, Costa Rica suddenly finds itself in a much more intriguing position. Traditionally, those three North American giants have dominated the CONCACAF region, often overshadowing other teams with their depth, talent, and resources.
Now, with them out of the picture early, the door swings wide open for Costa Rica to step up as the region’s top contender.
Costa Rica has a solid history on the world stage, having qualified for multiple World Cups and even reaching the quarterfinals in 2014. Their experience, combined with a strong domestic league and a growing pool of players competing internationally, gives them a real shot at capitalizing on this rare opportunity.
The absence of the usual heavyweights reduces the competition for automatic qualification spots, but it also raises the stakes. Costa Rica will need to maintain consistency, avoid complacency, and handle the pressure of being seen as the team to beat.
Other teams in the region will be hungry, seeing a chance to upset the established order, so Costa Rica’s tactical discipline and mental toughness will be tested. If they can navigate this phase with focus and resilience, Costa Rica could not only make it to the World Cup but also position themselves as a dark horse capable of surprising on the global stage.
This moment might mark a shift in CONCACAF’s balance of power—one that Costa Rica is well-placed to take advantage of.
Q COSTARICA — During the elections cycle that began on October 1, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) – elections tribunal – has rules that the news service of the National Radio and Television System (SINART) – State television – that it cannot serve as a broadcasting platform for President Rodrigo Chaves’ so-called “press conferences” or for events highlighting his administration’s achievements.
However, in compliance with its journalistic function, the SINART is permitted to report on what happens at press conferences or events using recorded or live excerpts.
This is in response to a query made by Hellen Zúñiga, Director of News for SINART, who on September 24 asked how to proceed in response to the TSE’s order to the Executive Branch to refrain from using its platforms to broadcast government programs that could favor the government’s image and, therefore, the ruling party movement in the run-up to the February elections.
The TSE’s response to Zúñiga is based on the fact that SINART is a state-owned public company, “whose share capital and control are 100% owned by the State and which is governed by an Executive Council, composed of a majority of individuals directly appointed by the Executive Branch.” Therefore, it must abide by the prohibitions established in Article 142 of the Electoral Code regarding government propaganda during campaigns leading up to elections, such as the one that began on October 1.
These prohibitions are what prompted President Rodrigo Chaves to target the TSE, claiming they want to “gag” him.
Zúñiga chose to consult with the TSE to figure out the right way to proceed and now understands that it’s journalistic judgment that should decide what news is important and how it’s covered across the different SINART newscasts. At the same time, she recognizes it can’t just act as a mouthpiece for government actions on broadcast or digital platforms.
This would “denaturalize the informative nature of the news program Trece Noticias” and its related programs, according to the TSE’s response, which does authorize other news stories that include government content if they do not violate the aforementioned Article 142.
As part of the resolution, the TSE cites a 2017 ruling it issued in light of the proximity of the 2018 elections, in which it indicated that two SINART programs could be praising the work of the then-governing government in favor of the ruling party.
Q COSTARICA — In a forceful clarification, the coordinator of legal counsel for the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) – Supreme Electoral Tribunal – Juan Luis Rivera, explained that if political belligerence is proven, the Constitution empowers the electoral body to apply the maximum sanction: the removal and disqualification of President Rodrigo Chaves if he is found guilty of committing the crime of political belligerence or non-compliance with the electoral ban.
The process, however, first requires the Legislative Assembly to lift the immunity.
The TSE as an “electoral judge”
Rivera explained to El Observador that, in the Costa Rican democratic system, the TSE has the authority to interpret and apply electoral regulations. “In our system, the electoral judge is the TSE, and therefore, it is empowered to rule,” he stated, indicating that this authority is also based on principles of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
The sanctions for political belligerence are the most serious under electoral legislation and range from disqualification from holding public office for a period of two to four years, to immediate dismissal from office.
The Process: Congress Takes the First Step
The TSE official was also clear about the procedure to be followed. In order to prosecute a member of the supreme powers, such as the president, the TSE must first request Congress to lift his immunity with the approval of 38 of the 57 legislators.
If Congress lifts the president’s immunity, the TSE can then open the ordinary sanctioning procedure and, eventually, impose a punishment.
The case of President Chaves
The request against President Chaves is already in the hands of the legislators.
Twenty-four complaints were filed against the president, and the TSE consolidated 15 of them into a single file.
This comes just days after legislators rejected the request to lift Chaves’ immunity at the request of the Supreme Court of Justice so that he could face justice for the crime of extortion charged by the Attorney General’s Office.
Rivera clarified that the request for immunity does not imply conclusive evidence that the president has engaged in political belligerence. “No facts have been proven, nor has anyone been found responsible. What is being requested is the possibility of continuing the proceedings,” he stated.
Credit card stealing. Thief steals money from the credit card through the man's laptop. Red background.
RICO’s q — Cyber fraud took a serious hit this Wednesday when agents from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) – Judicial Investigation Agency – swooped in with coordinated raids across Heredia, Palmares, and downtown San José.
Their target: four individuals—two Costa Ricans and two foreigners—tied to a criminal ring running digital banking scams.
Officials say the group directly defrauded victims of around ¢60 million colones based on reported cases.
But banks hit by the scheme believe the real losses could top ¢400 million colones.
How the scam worked
The Specialized Section against Cyber Fraud uncovered a scheme both clever and sneaky. The suspects sent fake text messages pretending to be trusted institutions like Correos de Costa Rica, national banks, or Kolbi Points.
These messages promised quick fixes for account issues or expedited services, tricking people into falling for the scam.
Victims unknowingly handed over their bank details—card numbers, security codes, tokens, and expiration dates—by clicking on fake links. Using that info, criminals created virtual cards in digital wallets on phones and smartwatches.
Once inside the system, they funneled the stolen money into luxury buys: expensive liquor, top-tier phones and computers, gold jewelry, and even a prefab house.
The investigation kicked off in July 2025 after the OIJ received 30 formal complaints. That same month, two people of Asian descent were caught at an international supermarket trying to pay over ¢1.5 million colones for liquor with a cloned card.
One was held in preventive detention for six months; the others faced lighter restrictions. But despite these arrests, the group kept operating, making new purchases of luxury electronics like iPhones and tablets.
The OIJ confirmed the criminal network includes at least six members, each with a specific role. One leader was arrested in July, while another recently fled the country.
Lately, I’ve been receiving at least a couple of text messages from “Correos” (the Spanish equivalent of the Post Office) stating that there’s a package for me that couldn’t be delivered.
I am directed to follow a link in the message to sort out the delivery.
The thing is, I haven’t used the post office in over ten years.
Then, just a couple of weeks ago, I got a WhatsApp message from “Scotiabank” asking for info to deliver my card.
The problem is, I don’t have an account with the bank. So, that message got blocked.
Authorities suspect links to international financial fraud rings, given the methods and tech used to launder money.
I urge everyone to avoid clicking on links in texts or emails—especially those promising banking perks or asking for personal info updates.
Central American casino resorts are evolving rapidly from card tables to contactless check-in. Blending old-world luxury with new-world convenience is changing the game on what it means to visit them.
Go into a resort today and you’ll instantly see the difference. The buzz of slot machines is still there, but it’s now accompanied by electronic check-in, cell wagering and touchless payment. Tradition hasn’t disappeared; it’s just evolving in the face of technology.
The Digital Arrival
First among your experiences is one that even precedes walking in through doors. Room and table location reservations at a table game are now available online in minutes. The resort’s existence begins over a screen, long before one is even in the lobby. For most guests, that electronic check-in makes it easier to get into what used to be a very physical world.
You go in and are still surrounded by familiar stimuli: table after table, bright lights and that buzz of anticipation. However, what happens behind the scenes regarding how the experiences are doled out differs. Electronic systems take care of staffing schedules and player preferences. That means there is no consideration about logistics as you sit down and play. It’s all about the game.
Gambling in a New Light
The quintessential Central American Casino atmosphere was glitz, gaming and partying. It is still, but it’s larger. You go back and forth between playing at the table and wagering on your phone in the lounge. The physical and electronic separation is eradicated, so you get to absorb the atmosphere as well as capitalize on the convenience of electronic options.
Technology has also changed how the resort experience is integrated with sports betting. Sections specifically for viewing television matches are now supplied with live feeds and current-to-the-minute odds. For some, this is an even more participatory environment, with the energy of the crowd without the necessity of leaving one’s chair. It marries the social aspect of the resort with the immediacy of instant electronic availability.
Simplified Payments and Play
Storing chips or banknotes in stacks was an old tradition in casino culture, often as part of the glamour and ritual of the evening. But that system was inconvenient; long lines at cashier locations, constant attention for security and possible money losses in a raucous night.
Digital payment has changed that ritual today, rethinking how you move around the floor. Contactless payment with credit or bank card, cell phone payment systems and secure internet payouts have simplified bets even without banknotes. It matters: it makes the whole process quicker, safer, smoother and much more manageable.
Even loyalty programs are incorporated directly into this system, with an added efficiency measure. Instead of paper coupons or plastic cards that would have to be carried and relinquished, most resorts digitize tracking of your play, with records maintained in an untouchable database and awards bestowed automatically instantly in the form of points or bonuses.
Even specific systems provide live alerts, so you are instantly alerted of the exact value of your awards as you collect each one. Overall, the effect integrates your time spent on the floor with the reward you receive, reinforcing the theme that each step is part of an integrated, personal experience.
To travelers, that convenience means less time waiting, less time being interrupted and more time actually playing the game. It also breeds trust, as you watch your awards accrue without concern over lost slips or misplaced cards.
Entertainment Beyond the Tables
Technology hasn’t just changed the game; it’s also increased what a casino resort can offer. Live performances, shows and theme parties now rely heavily on advanced light and sound systems. The atmosphere is elevated, transforming dull nights into memorable performances with energy and spectacle.
Even streaming is part of the mix. Resorts are streaming events onsite even more nowadays, so you get a taste of the excitement before deciding to visit.
To the visitor, it allows one other layer of communication, so you get an inkling of a resort’s energy and pizzazz before you step inside. Then, inside, the blending of on-site and electronic entertainment reinforces the thought that the resort is not just a destination for gambling; it’s a hub of culture with an identity that moves and evolves.
A World of Hybrid Experiences
The history of the Central American casino resort is no longer one of slot machines and card tables. It’s one of the past and present mixing in a richer whole. You have the thrill of an actual game, the buzz of a busy floor, and the environs’ glitz. But along with those come innovations that ease each step, tailor it and integrate it.
The future is bright. Resort casinos are not leaving heritage behind; they are building on it. Combining the best physical space with the convenience of the internet, they develop an experience about how people live and play today. It’s an evolution that will keep the lights shining brightly throughout Central America for the long time ahead, keeping the region on the radar of leisure travellers for whom excitement is as much an option as convenience.
Q COSTARICA — The section of the Interamericana Norte (Ruta 1) highway that crosses Cambronero will remain closed indefinitely after the landslide that destroyed part of the highway last weekend.
Initially, the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) -Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Costa Rica, Pablo Camacho Salazar, said the closure would be for a month.
The magnitude of the damage requires a complex and lengthy intervention, confirmed Juan Carlos Calderón, Director of Emergency and Disaster Response at the MOPT.
“We are currently facing the most severe impact on Route 1. It is not safe to allow traffic until palliative solutions are in place to guarantee the stability of the terrain,” the official explained.
The National Road Council (Conavi) has undertaken immediate work in the area, which includes the installation of two modular (Bailey) bridges to provide temporary access.
These works began on Monday, October 6, although authorities warn that they will depend on weather conditions and the behavior of the terrain.
The final repairs will take longer. Before reconstructing the affected section, geotechnical studies and engineering designs will be necessary to ensure the stability of the new structure.
While the total closure is in place, the MOPT recommends two alternative routes to the Pacific: Ruta 27 and the Río Jesús Cantonal Route, where only light vehicles can travel on the road that connects Río Jesús with Piedras Blancas, which runs parallel to the affected section and allows access to the Inter-American. For heavy-duty transport, the only alternative is to use Route 27, which connects San José with Caldera.
Q24N (Confidencial) Nicaragua is the only country in the world where ministries, state institutions, or collegial bodies are led by two officials.
These “co-leaderships” have become the norm within the Nicaraguan Executive Branch — a mechanism that, according to exiled political analysts, the “co-president” Rosario Murillo has put in place to sideline the “loyalists” of her husband and “co-president” Daniel Ortega, and to secure an “orderly” and “safe” dynastic succession.
The appointment of two “co-directors” or “co-presidents” in state institutions began in 2016, when the presidential couple named Guillermo González and Xóchitl Cortez as “co-directors” of the National System for Disaster Prevention, Mitigation, and Response (Sinapred). From there, the practice of appointing “co-leaders” expanded to other institutions, under the guise of a supposed gender equality policy.
“Co-leaderships” imposed in 13 institutions
Between 2016 and 2025, the regime has imposed “co-leaderships” in 13 state institutions — though not all positions were divided between men and women. An example is the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute (Intur), where Anasha Campbell, wife of Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke, and Mara Vanessa Stotti, wife of Daniel Edmundo Ortega Murillo and daughter-in-law of the dictatorial couple, were both appointed.
Other institutions where joint male-female leadership has been established include:
The Institute of Cultures of Peoples and Youth
The Nicaraguan Sports Institute (IND)
The Dredging Company of the San Juan River
The National Cinematheque
The Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic, which, despite being a collegial body, now has two co-presidents: Luis Alberto Rodríguez Jiménez and María Eliette Esquivel Tinoco.
The most recent institutions to adopt shared leadership were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by Valdrack Jaentschke and Denis Moncada, and the National Police, directed by General Commissioner Francisco Díaz —whose daughter is married to one of the presidential couple’s sons— alongside General Commissioner Victoriano Ruiz.
Meanwhile, at the Institute for Urban and Rural Housing (INVUR), the Nicaraguan Institute for Territorial Studies (INETER), and the National Forestry Institute (Inafor) — the latter transferred to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Marena) in October 2024 — legal reforms were introduced to institutionalize “shared leadership,” but the appointment of two co-directors never materialized.
To institutionalize these “co-leaderships,” the Ortega regime reformed laws such as those governing Tourism and the National Police, creating what Nicaraguan political scientist and former political prisoner Félix Maradiaga calls a “façade of legality.” Maradiaga stressed that “these legal formalities are used to strip democratic guarantees of their real meaning.”
He added that the purpose of the “co-leaderships” is to “shield the dynastic succession by elevating Rosario Murillo to formal parity with Daniel Ortega.”
In February 2025, through a reform that modified 93% of the articles in the Political Constitution, the regime established the figure of the “co-presidency” of the Republic — and Rosario Murillo automatically proclaimed herself “co-president,” despite never having been elected to that position by any Nicaraguan.
Sidelining officials loyal to Ortega
According to Nicaraguan political scientist José Antonio Peraza, this process of Rosario Murillo’s dynastic succession is being carried out in a “crude” way, creating “chaos in public administration” through the appointment of two people to the same position.
“Since Daniel Ortega hasn’t died yet, she [Murillo, Ortega’s wife] is gradually replacing or matching his power in each state institution where she believes she needs leverage. So what’s essentially happening is the displacement of people loyal to Daniel by people loyal to Rosario,” Peraza emphasized.
In this succession process, Peraza notes, “what’s interesting is how she [Murillo] has long been replacing the old Sandinista guard and anyone with any loyalty to Ortega, so that when the time comes for Ortega’s passing, the transition will be as orderly and secure as possible for her.”
Through this displacement of officials loyal to Ortega, Murillo has created “a process of dogged loyalty,” Peraza stresses.
Lawyer and former liberal deputy Eliseo Núñez observes that this model of “co-leaderships,” designed by Murillo, “aims for cross-control of institutions.” By placing two people in the same position, “one monitors the other, and this way she has two channels of information to verify whether someone is lying to her.”
Maradiaga offers a similar assessment, describing the “co-leaderships” as a form of “cross-surveillance,” since “two leaders neutralize each other and report upwards; no one accumulates power independently.”
On the other hand, Núñez points out that appointing two “co-presidents” or “co-directors” in public institutions also increases the administrative costs for the state. With two officials in leadership positions, associated expenses tend to rise.
“What Rosario [Murillo] has done is completely outrageous,” he warns.
In the same vein, Maradiaga emphasizes that organizational theory shows duplicating leadership positions raises coordination costs and dilutes responsibility. “In practice in Nicaragua, the ‘double signature’ does not strengthen oversight; it destroys it, because real decisions are not made within the institution but at El Carmen,” he stresses.
Furthermore, Núñez cautions that shared leadership positions “increase opportunities for political clientelism.”
Maradiaga adds that the duplication of command is also a form of “loyalty payments,” which can include “family members,” as seen in the case of Intur.
Murillo is the one who wields power in the institutions
All three analysts agree that when there are two heads in a public institution, it is “difficult” to know who actually makes decisions. However, they point out that officials loyal to the “co-president” have greater institutional control and are the ones who will remain once the dynastic succession process is complete.
Núñez notes that this model of government “is not guided by public policy logic or standard governmental logic, but by what Rosario believes works for her.”
The real power in the institutions, Maradiaga warns, is exercised by “the presidential couple,” who points out that “shared leadership positions don’t distribute power; they multiply dependence… the strategic direction is set by the Ortega-Murillo duo and their family circle.”
Along the same lines, Peraza emphasizes that appointing two co-heads in an institution creates “a lot of internal tension.” In these cases, there is no manual to indicate how to proceed. “It’s improvised, designed to push people out, to exile whoever needs to be removed from the institutions. And who ends up exiled? Daniel Ortega’s people, who are losing control over power.”
In this way, Peraza warns, “those being appointed as the second-in-command are there because they obey Rosario, not because they obey Daniel. So, in the end, those are the ones who will really rule. The others remain only while Daniel Ortega is around to intervene.”
Q COSTARICA (Confidencial) An “order” for “political reasons” is the motive gaining the most “traction” each day in the investigation into the murder in Costa Rica of Nicaraguan ex-military officer Roberto Samcam.
Randall Zúñiga, director of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), and Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Díaz, monitoring the killing of the exiled Nicaraguan opposition figure, were interviewed on the program Esta Semana, which airs on CONFIDENCIAL’s YouTube channel due to Nicaragua’s television censorship.
Regarding the motivations behind the murder, both officials agree that it was a “contracted” killing, though they differ in how much emphasis they place on the political motive.
Attorney General Díaz, who is in charge of the case, was more categorical, stating that there are “several motives” and that “one of them, which I believe is the strongest, even as it appears in the investigation,” is that “there may have been, in this case, an order for this crime to be carried out for political reasons.”
“That is one of the motives and hypotheses we are studying. But, I reiterate, it may even be one of the strongest, yet we have other motives that also need to be investigated,” Díaz added.
Zúñiga, for his part, was more cautious: “The motive is a paid reward; there’s no denying that. What we want to understand are the motivations behind that payment.”
“It could be a political motive, which is entirely possible, or it could be related to debts or other reasons, but it seems more political,” explained the OIJ director, while clarifying that he currently has “no evidence to point to anyone in particular who may have paid for the killing” of the Nicaraguan.
The senior official acknowledged that 70% (about 630 to date) of homicides in Costa Rica are “contracted,” which police jargon calls “settling scores,” but is basically “a situation where one person hires another to kill a third party.”
Samcam, 67, was a strong critic of the Nicaraguan Army for its role in the repression and killing of unarmed civilians during the 2018 protests in Nicaragua.
The murder of the ex-military officer, carried out on the morning of June 19, 2025, is classified as an “aggravated homicide” because it involved “a death that occurred for a reward or some kind of payment,” explained Attorney General Díaz.
Samcam’s Murder Was “Planned”
Samcam had been outside Costa Rica for more than a month and a half and returned on Sunday, June 15. Just four days later, he was murdered.
According to Díaz, there is evidence showing “the planning carried out among the material perpetrators, the people who executed the homicide” the day before the crime.
Zúñiga added that, while there was “even greater planning” in the days prior, what is relevant for the investigation are “the surveillance and all the materialized aspects of the event,” which occurred in the days leading up to the murder.
The OIJ director ruled out that Samcam had reported threats directly to his agency, although he acknowledged that the ex-military officer “in some way communicated with what was the DIS, which is Costa Rica’s Directorate of Intelligence and National Security.”
On September 12, the OIJ arrested four of the five suspects in the murder. Of the four detained, only three were placed in six-month preventive detention by a criminal court: Danilo Chaves Medina, 35; Bryan Robles Salas, 23; and Luis Orozco González, 33.
Stephanie Chacón Guillen, 30, was released following the hearing held on September 13–14, 2025. According to Zúñiga, she was not imprisoned because her involvement was limited to “paying for a private transportation service.”
The OIJ is also still searching for Luis Carvajal Fernández, 20, who has been identified as the gunman who shot Samcam.
For Attorney General Díaz, the investigation has proceeded “successfully,” as authorities have managed in less than three months “to determine who, at least, were the material perpetrators of this homicide.”
According to the attorney general, there is “important evidence, there are testimonies, forensic proof, and especially videos from various cameras” that allowed investigators to establish the planning of the crime starting the day before it occurred.
An Anonymous Tip Dismissed
A controversial element in the judicial file has been an anonymous tip identifying the Costa Rican of Nicaraguan origin, Pablo Robles Murillo, as the alleged organizer of the murder and the link between the material perpetrators and the intellectual authors. However, Zúñiga was categorical in dismissing the document as an attempt to divert the investigation.
“We had never, until now, received a 25-page report laying out a full sequence of events, conducting an entire intelligence effort, and trying to steer the investigation toward a specific point,” said the director of the police agency.
“That had never happened in all 52 years of OIJ’s work,” he added.
He suggested that the document aims “to give the homicide a political tint” and could be the work of “some government or intelligence agency—I don’t know which, whether from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, or another interested country.” Currently, Pablo Robles Murillo “is not part of the investigation,” he confirmed.
Challenges Ahead
The search for the intellectual authors faces significant obstacles. Zúñiga acknowledged that the “OIJ’s investigative capacities are local, within the country. We do not have transnational capabilities to investigate beyond Costa Rica’s borders.”
The OIJ director admitted that this limitation became evident in the case of the attempted murder of Nicaraguan opposition activist living in Costa Rica, Joao Maldonado, and his wife Nadia Robleto, where, after eight additional months of investigation, the intellectual authors “could not be identified.”
Samcam’s murder has been reported as the fourth “violent attack against an exile in recent years” in a report presented in Geneva by the Human Rights Experts Group on Nicaragua (GHREN), which concludes that the Ortega-Murillo regime’s repression extends across borders.
The Nicaraguan dictatorship has used “a broad and complex network of surveillance and intelligence” to monitor Nicaraguans’ activities, even “beyond the country’s borders.” This network has allowed it to “harass, discredit, and threaten” Nicaraguans in exile, the report indicates.
The document, presented on September 23, 2025, to the United Nations Human Rights Council, reveals that this “transnational surveillance” is organized through “a multilayered intelligence architecture” involving the Army, the Police, the foreign service, and non-state agents.
Attorney General Díaz, aware of the sensitivity of the case, promised to be “just as rigorous with the possible intellectual authors as we have been with the material perpetrators.” “We do not want to rush and make decisions that could later affect even the reputation of a government, or in this case, even our own country,” he warned.
Authorities hope that opening the detainees’ cell phones and analyzing their communications will shed light on who ordered the murder.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s business sector is running into a wall — a shortage of bilingual talent that’s starting to bite into growth. As companies aim to compete globally, the ability to communicate in more than one language, especially English, has become a must-have skill.
Without enough bilingual workers proficient in languages such as English, Portuguese, or French, companies struggle to connect with international clients, serve global suppliers, and participate in bidding processes or value chains outside the country.
According to CINDE, the Coalición de Iniciativas para el Desarrollo (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency) data, 73 new investment projects were registered in 2024 alone, increasing the demand for bilingual talent and putting pressure on local companies to adapt.
Failed negotiations, lost bids, and missed opportunities due to not speaking the client’s language. This is the reality for many local companies that, without bilingual staff, see their ability to compete across borders reduced.
“Language is part of the invisible infrastructure of a modern company: without it, processes become more expensive, business opportunities are lost, and the growth of internal talent is limited. The situation in the country is alarming: only 5.4% of Costa Ricans are bilingual. How many more opportunities will we miss out on due to a lack of speaking a second language?” says Adriana Castro, founder of Craving English and author of the book El Viaje al Éxito (The Journey to Success).
In addition to limiting business expansion, the lack of language skills among staff impacts operational efficiency. Teams that don’t master the language depend on intermediaries, require constant translations, and often face more technical barriers when handling documentation, software, or systems developed in other countries.
In sectors such as corporate services, advanced manufacturing, and technology, English is considered the starting point. But even outside these sectors, competition for international clients and global suppliers forces many small and medium-sized businesses to adapt or be left behind.
“A team that can participate in meetings with foreign clients, understand technical documentation, and manage processes in another language is more likely to respond quickly, without the need for intermediaries or external translations. This increases operational autonomy and speeds up decision-making,” Castro added.
What can Costa Rican companies do?
These are some concrete actions that Costa Rican companies can implement to strengthen internal bilingualism without incurring significant costs:
Internal diagnosis: Identify key positions where proficiency in English or another language is critical. Evaluate current staff levels and set realistic improvement goals.
Gradual and contextualized training: Investing in language classes is most effective when tailored to actual job functions: technical vocabulary, presentations, emails, customer service, etc.
Partnerships with training centers: There are customized programs for small and medium-sized businesses, including options subsidized by institutions such as the INA (National Institute of Statistics).
Learning incentives: Establishing rewards for language achievements, certifications, raises, and promotions creates a culture of continuous improvement.
Promoting practical use: Integrating the language into everyday tasks: short meetings in English, internal presentations, bilingual training, etc.
Strategic hiring: Consider language-proficient profiles not only for sales or customer service, but also in technical and administrative areas.
According to an article by Fluency Corp. titled “The Impact of Language Skills: Employee Retention & Job Satisfaction,” language learning programs help employees feel better prepared to collaborate with their teams, which can improve the work environment and reduce employee turnover. Language training not only strengthens communication skills but also impacts overall satisfaction and commitment to the organization.
Faced with the growth of foreign capital, bilingualism becomes not only an asset but a necessity, a line of defense for Costa Rican companies that want to remain relevant.
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to navigate multiple languages opens doors to broader markets.
Q COSTARICA (Op-Ed) Government is responsible for many driving problems. in Costa Rica, the only way to drive is to be hyper alert and to treat anyone you see as a maniac out to attack you.
Other problems include:
– Terrible roads. Skidding in floodwaters due to bad drainage is common. As you zig-zag to avoid enormous potholes, you might meet others zigging into you at speed from the other direction.
Numerous unlicensed drivers, sometimes on stolen motorcycles, abound.
Road safety is not taught widely enough or enforced.
Pedestrians dress in dark clothes at night. They often hold hands with children. The smallest kids walk at the end of a chain of adults and project into the road. Stray dogs and drunks sleep on the streets. Infants without crash helmets help dads ride motorcycles by doing the steering. Drivers never look in their mirrors. before a manoeuvre.
Drivers do not signal before turning or do so in the opposite direction to the turn.
Teenagers do wheelies and worse to show off.
Enormous articulated trucks are allowed on the narrowest of roads.
Delivery trucks make a point of opening doors without looking and blocking half their lane with goods being offloaded.
Drivers double park or stop on blind corners.
Constant use of cell phones distracts both drivers and pedestrians.
Cyclists think it is OK to overtake slow traffic on both sides in single-lane roads at up to 60kph. Others ride in pelotons, causing frustrated drivers to pass dangerously. There is no riding test or insurance required for cyclists.
Churches need to teach that Saint Christopher medals and Christian symbols on cars neither protect against collisions nor ensure a quick passage to heaven in case of an accident.
For those who love risks and adventure, drive in Costa Rica.
Q COSTARICA — The implementation of the Ministerio de Hacienda’s new Tribu-CR system will mark a turning point in the way Costa Rican taxpayers comply with their tax obligations.
For this reason, starting this Monday, October 6, Hacienda (Ministry of Finance) will migrate its main current platforms (ATV, TRAVI, DeclaraWeb, and EDDI-7) to a single digital system, representing a significant change in tax filing and control processes. This process began on September 25, when a data cutoff was implemented.
With this major technological step, the tax administration seeks to consolidate the Registro Único Tributario (RUT) – Single Tax Registry – into a single space, as well as the traceability of current tax returns, debts, tax credits, and authorizations.
This major change brings benefits such as greater simplification and efficiency, but also represents an impact for taxpayers and requires them to be prepared to ensure an orderly transition.
Recommendations include:
Verify that the cedula (national identity card), DIMEX (Immigration Identity Document for Foreigners), or NITE (Special Tax Identification Number assigned by the Tax Administration), is current.
Review and reconcile outstanding obligations before the transfer.
Keep a copy of the current RUT (Tax Identification Number) to corroborate the migrated information.
Ensure the electronic invoicing system is updated to version 4.4.
Request a tax account statement to avoid inconsistencies.
“The arrival of Tribu-CR represents an important step toward modernizing the Costa Rican tax system. This drastic change aims to streamline tax returns and ensure transparency in tax matters,” explains tax expert Raymundo Volio, of Actualidad Tributaria, who urges taxpayers to prepare in advance so that this transition process becomes a tool for improvement and not an administrative challenge or, worse yet, resulting in penalties or higher payments.
The change involves replacing the platforms that have operated until now and represents a fundamental step toward the modernization and simplification of tax processes in the country, stated Dunia Zamora, president of the Costa Rican Association of Public Accountants.
With the launch of TRIBU-CR, the following procedures must be completed on the new platform:
Use of the Ministry of Finance’s free invoice system in version 4.3 of annexes and structures.
Management and renewal of electronic receipt user credentials.
Management, renewal, and revocation of passwords related to electronic receipts and the cryptographic key.
See the “Verification of Electronic Receipts” section.
Changes
Hacienda has moved the deadline for filing Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) – Value Added Tax (VAT) – returns for September to October 24th, giving taxpayers a reasonable period of time to file and pay their taxes using the new system.
In addition, the new free Tico-Factura invoicer will be available starting this Monday.
TRIBU-CR is part of the Digital Treasury project, the first modules of which will be implemented in October.
The new system will begin its first phase with the implementation of the following modules: Virtual Office (OVI)—from which services will be accessed—, Declarations and Payments, Comprehensive Tax Account, Communications and Notifications, Single Tax Registry, Comprehensive Tax Consultation, Electronic File, Document Manager, and the Tico-Factura Digital Invoicing System.
The remaining 19 modules that make up the system will be gradually incorporated until full implementation is achieved in 2028.
mixed fruit , to eat or to squeeze , fresh fruits and ripe
Q COSTARICA (EFE) Almost six months after the United States implemented the 10% universal tariff (15% in Costa Rica and 18% in Nicaragua), exports from Central America and the Dominican Republic to the United States, its main trading partner, continue an upward trend driven by rising international prices and uncertainty about U.S. trade policy.
In the first half of 2025, exports from the region comprised of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic “grew by around 10.0%,” according to an analysis by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) sent to EFE.
This growth was driven “by rising international prices, and possibly benefited by the front-loading effect, which led US companies to advance their purchases abroad in anticipation of the implementation of the new tariffs scheduled for April” of this year, the regional bank explains.
Since last April, the administration of US President Donald Trump has applied a universal 10% tariff on imports from his country, amid a trade war that is the battering ram of a policy intended to give a renewed boost to US industry.
In Central America, this tariff is applied differently to Costa Rica, with a 15% tariff since last August, and to Nicaragua, with an 18% tariff since last April.
The CABEI notes that “this scenario of higher taxes on imports generates a growing risk given signs of a slowdown in the US economy and greater uncertainty about US economic policy.”
“Analyses conducted by the CABEI indicate that the increase in tariffs could negatively affect the regional economy” given the “high trade dependence on the US, the region’s main partner,” the financial institution states.
In Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, more than 45% of total exports are directed to the US market, it states.
Sales from the Central American region to the United States “represent approximately 40% of total exports” and have shown an upward trend over the last quarter of a century, a period during which they have “doubled, registering an average annual growth of 3.4%,” it details.
According to data from the Central American Trade Statistics System of the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA), the region’s exports to the United States have grown steadily in recent years, totaling US$11 billion in 2020; US$13.5 billion in 2021; $15, billion in 2022; $16 billion in 2023, and $17.35 billion in 2024.
In this scenario, “the future of the export sector will depend on each country’s ability to adapt. In the short term, there could be closures of less competitive companies and a drop in investment in the tradable sector, especially in activities such as textiles and apparel, food, and agriculture,” states CABEI.
However, it explains, the impact on productive sectors is uncertain, as other economies around the world face tariffs even higher than those applied in most countries in the region.
“In this context, strengthening economic resilience, improving competitiveness, and fostering regional integration will be key for the sector to take advantage of new opportunities and maintain its dynamism,” the financial institution emphasizes.
Q COSTARICA — María Teresa Rodríguez, former Miss Costa Rica 2008 and current host at Teletica, has confirmed that Costa Rica will not participate in this year’s Mrs. Universe pageant.
Rodríguez, who manages the Mrs. Universe franchise in Costa Rica alongside her friend, model Johanna García, shared the news in an official statement. She explained that due to internal reasons, the organization won’t be sending a contestant to the international competition in Manila, Philippines.
Despite this, Rodríguez and García remain at the helm of the franchise and continue to support the global Mrs. Universe organization.
The statement ended with a message of thanks: “We appreciate the support and understanding from our community and fans. See you next year!” as posted on the pageant’s official website.
No explanation or specific details were shared about the decision. Still, Melissa Mora, the current Mrs. Universe Costa Rica crowned in 2024, will hold the title through next year.
Q COSTARICA — A steady increase in traffic accidents and the number of people injured and killed in accidents is also causing the Compulsory Auto Insurance (SOA) premium to rise in Costa Rica.
This is one of the components of the annual vehicle circulation permit known as the Marchamo, and is calculated annually based on the number of people injured on the road, the severity of their injuries, and the amount required for their care.
This insurance covers up to ¢6 million coolones in medical expenses, if necessary.
Before the pandemic, the number of road injuries had stabilized at around 37,000 per year. This was recorded in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Then the pandemic hit, and the numbers fell during 2020 and 2021 because there were fewer cars on the road and less freedom to go out.
However, starting in 2021, the number of injuries steadily increases, reaching 45,570 in 2024, the year used to calculate the 2026 vehicle registration fee.
On Friday, Insurance Superintendent Tomás Soley announced the SOA amounts for the 2026 vehicle registration fee, whose collection begins on November 1, along with the property tax on vehicles and other costs (all part of the Marchamo).
During his presentation, he called what is happening on Costa Rica’s roads is a “massacre.”
“If something different is not done to stop this massacre on the roads, this phenomenon will continue to grow,” he commented.
For Soley, there has been nothing extraordinary in public policy or interventions to change the situation.
“If you keep doing the same thing, the results will continue to be the same,” Soley commented.
“This is an issue that can’t be resolved just because we’re worried; it’s a public policy issue that needs to be addressed with a comprehensive strategy,” he added.
Soley criticized the work, in particular the vigilance, of the Policia de Transito (Traffic Police), which is evident on the roads. He also noted that remote camera surveillance and fines are being used in other parts of the world, which Costa Rica has also been unable to implement.
“So, in addition to driver culture, it’s an issue that requires strengthening the more punitive and behavioral aspects of traffic,” he indicated.
Data provided by Soley indicate that in 2024, 505 on-site deaths occurred due to vehicle accidents. 53.6% of the fatalities were motorcyclists, the year in which accidents claimed the most lives of this type of driver.
Of the fatalities last year, 175 were due to speeding, while another 133 were due to lane invasion. In another 65 cases, the driver’s negligence was the cause.
An example reinforcing Soley’s comments is three deaths and four injuries in five separate accidents on the roads between Friday evening and Saturday morning.
According to official reports, it started at 10:13 pm Friday in Puerto Jiménez de Puntarenas, where a motorcycle flipped, tragically killing one person. Just half an hour later, in Coyol de Alajuela, a 42-year-old man was run over.
Close to midnight, a vehicle in Rio Segundo de Alajuela crashed into a stationary object, sending two men to hospital. Then, at 12:16 am Saturday in Las Juntas de Abangares, Guanacaste, a 72-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman suffered critical injuries after a motorcycle crash.
The early hours of Saturday saw another fatal crash at 4:17 am in Carrillo de Guanacaste, where a 26-year-old man died on the spot after hitting a fixed object with his motorcycle.
Q COSTARICA — Vehicle traffic on Route 1 in the Cambronero sector remains completely closed after a massive landslide caused by heavy rains in recent hours washed away most of the road surface.
Several images circulating on social media show the impact of the landslide that occurred between the Piedra Blanca and Santiago sectors, turning two lanes of the section of road into a cliff face in San Ramón.
A power pole and electrical wiring can even be seen on what remains of the road.
Authorities did not report any injuries or damage from the landslide.
Drivers between San Ramon and Esparza will have to use alternate routes until the road is reopened. Light vehicles can travel on the Río Jesús – Piedra Blanca route, detouring toward Guadalupe and exiting at Esparza.
The damage is so severe that the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT) isn’t even attempting to predict when it might reopen.
Ruta 1 in Costa Rica, especially the stretch known as Cambronero, is more than just a road—it’s a vital artery. This highway is part of the Inter-American Norte, a key connection that links the northern and southern parts of Costa Rica, making it crucial for both local travel and international transit.
Near Cambronero, Ruta 1 cuts through a mix of rural and semi-urban areas. Despite its importance, Ruta 1 can be a test of patience at times, especially during peak hours or rainy seasons when traffic slows down and the road can get slick.
Q COSTARICA — Before even moving a centimeter, the electric train project proposed by Rodrigo Chaves’s government could derail on the departure platform. The plan hinges on legislative approval for a US$800 million loan, and that’s where it could it could derail.
Without the backing from the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) caucus, the largest group with 18 legislators after Gilberth Jiménez declared himself independent, securing the 38 votes needed to approve the loan will be very difficult.
Óscar Izquierdo, head of the PLN faction, told La República that they have many doubts about the proposed project and, therefore, cannot guarantee the PLN’s votes.
“We’re going to review it, because we think the proposal raises many questions. Remember that the previous administration had presented another plan, which included longer routes at lower costs for passengers.
“Ultimately, there are a number of factors we need to analyze carefully. The PLN needs to conduct an in-depth study to analyze issues such as financing and subsidies,” Izquierdo said.
For his part, PLN presidential candidate Álvaro Ramos, also in an interview with La República, previously stated that a comprehensive urban mobility plan was required, and when specifically asked about the train, he did not commit to the plan.
“We are building a comprehensive plan for a national logistics network for the coming decades. That’s what we want to propose, not to be tied to a single project, and that’s much more important: an urban mobility structure. So, we have to consider what the legal and regulatory bottlenecks are that are hindering all projects, not just one specific project,” Ramos said.
Slight Hope
After ruling out the PLN, 39 votes remain available in Congress; however, this would force the government to maintain good relations with the various parties and negotiate a multimillion-dollar loan for a large-scale project during a presidential campaign.
“It’s possible that the political campaign could complicate the project’s progress. I hope not, but it’s a reality that could happen,” said Alejandro Pacheco, head of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) faction.
The Project
The government’s electric train project consists of two lines totaling more than 51 kilometers on two tracks: one from Paraíso-Cartago and San José, and another from San José to Alajuela center.
It also includes the acquisition of 28 new electric trains, the construction of 30 stations, two completely new terminals, and nine overpasses, with a frequency of every 10 minutes.
Unlike the previous government’s proposal, it does not involve an annual subsidy of US$150 million; In fact, it doesn’t include any subsidies, so, according to the government, it doesn’t compromise public finances.
Finally, it only builds two lines, rather than the five suggested by the previous administration and now championed by presidential candidate Claudia Dobles of the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC). Dobles, an architect and urban planner, played a role in the original proposal put forward by her husband, former president Carlos Alvarado.
The Chaves plan for the train
With seven months to go before the end of its term, the Rodrigo Chaves administration finally unveiled its plans to build the electric train project.
These are the details:
Name: Tibi (centipede in the indigenous language)
Cost: US$800 million
Financing: The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) will contribute US$550 million, of which US$178.7 million will be co-financed by the Green Climate Fund and US$21.3 million will come as a donation from the same fund. In addition, US$250 million will be provided by the European Investment Bank Group, consolidating a credit scheme with highly competitive interest rates and grace periods.
Lines: The project includes two lines totaling more than 51 kilometers of double track: one from Paraíso-Cartago to San José, and another from San José to downtown Alajuela.
Other works include the acquisition of 28 new electric trains, 30 stations, two completely new terminals, and nine overpasses.
Frequency: The train would operate daily, with frequencies every 10 minutes
Our opinion on the project
The Costa Rica electric train project proposed by the Rodrigo Chaves administration is an ambitious effort with potential upsides and challenges. On the upside, electrifying the train system could modernize public transportation, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower emissions, aligning with global moves toward sustainability. It could also improve connectivity and ease traffic congestion, which has been a persistent problem in Costa Rica’s urban areas.
That said, these projects are often complex and costly. Execution risks include securing sufficient funding, managing construction timelines, and potential disruptions during the transition of the new government on May 8, 2026.
The Chaves administration will need to ensure transparency, strong planning, and community engagement to maintain public trust and get this right. Overall, if handled well, the electric train could be a major step forward for Costa Rica’s infrastructure and environmental goals.
But it’s not just about building a train — it’s about integrating it thoughtfully into the country’s broader transportation ecosystem and making sure it truly serves the people without becoming a financial burden.
Q COSTARICA — The national weather service, Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), predicts that the end of the rainy season in Costa Rica will be later in 2025.
According to experts, the rainfall pattern will extend beyond usual end of October due to factors such as:
A Pacific Ocean in a cold neutral phase
A warmer-than-normal Caribbean Sea
A delayed start to the cold snap season
“It is quite likely that the end of the rainy season will be delayed,” Karina Hernández of the IMN Climatology Unit confirmed.
Factors Sustaining the Rainfall
In addition to the aforementioned factors, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will remain active over the country, ensuring frequent rainfall throughout the season.
Although it may not be felt with the same intensity on some days, its presence is decisive.
Another key element is the cold snaps, which usually begin in November, marking the beginning of the dry season.
According to Hernández, this year, as in 2024, we will have a delayed transition.
“Cold bursts are very important, especially for the Caribbean. The 2025-2026 season will start late, and that contributes to the rains lasting longer,” the specialist explained.
The IMN will not provide the expected dates for the end of the rainy season by region until mid-October.
A wetter October
According to forecasts, October will have rainier-than-normal conditions in the Pacific, the Central Valley, and the Northwest, with up to a 15% surplus.
In contrast, the Caribbean will face a deficit of close to 10%, accompanied by slightly warmer temperatures, up to half a degree above average.
“October is already one of the rainiest months of the year, but now it is expected to be more sustained. A 15% surplus is already quite significant,” Hernández explained.
The IMN highlights that September showed irregular rainfall, with dry days and others that were more intense, but October will be more consistent.
Furthermore, tropical waves will continue to bring moisture, although not all of them will develop into cyclones.
“October is still part of the peak of the hurricane season, which increases the possibility of tropical waves or even storms affecting the country,” he added.
According to the weekly forecast, the following is expected:
September 29 to October 5: The entire Pacific region will experience more than normal rainfall, with weekly amounts of 90 to 120 mm. The Caribbean region will experience less rain, and the rest of the country will experience normal rainfall.
October 5 to 12: The Pacific region will experience normal seasonal rainfall. The Caribbean region will maintain a less rainy pattern.
October 13 to 19: The Pacific region and Central Valley will experience above-average rainfall. The Caribbean region will return to a normal pattern with little precipitation.
October 20 to 26: The Pacific region and Central Valley will experience more than normal rainfall. The Caribbean region will again experience less rain.
October 27 to November 2: This week, the entire Pacific region will continue to experience normal seasonal rainfall. The Caribbean region is expected to return to a seasonal rainfall pattern, while the rest of the country will experience normal rainfall.
Temperatures are expected to be within normal range.
OP-ED by Christopher Clarke — The Deloitte analysis is correct in suggesting that some tariffs make investment outside the US more attractive in general.
The restrictions on H1B visas will heighten this effect.
Uncertainty caused by abrupt US policy changes in general and attacks on green energy are adding to this trend.
There are major issues in Costa Rica that reduce its attractiveness for US investors.
Qorvo has announced closure of its plant here and relocation to Asia. Intel’s closure is another major blow.
Costa Rica is unattractive to foreign investors for several reasons. It has:
The highest regional energy costs.
Years of underinvestment in infrastructure have led to floods, landslides, congestion, and slow travel.
Costs of employing locals, due to Caja (social security) charges.
Security risks due to narco trafficking, road safety, and corruption. Important issues for US citizens, especially those bringing families.
Reuters reported that 30% of German companies planning to invest in the United States are postponing their decisions.
Some of these may move to other countries, some may simply be cancelled.
Indian nationals are the largest recipients of H1B visas and the obvious solution for corporations wanting to employ them is to shift investment to India.
Costa Ricans are unlikely to be significant H1B recipients.
Five Planned factories for electric vehicle and battery storage manufacture in Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, Oregon and New York have been cancelled. This is due to the end of federal subsidies via tax credits on e vehicles and the encouragement of more fossil fuel investments.
More than 17,000 prospective jobs in the US have been lost so far this year from such moves.
Some of these investments might be relocated to other countries, but many were dependent on an expanding US market for green vehicles.
Deloitte quoted projections for Costa Rican GDP growth. The way Gross Domestic Product is calculated masks the reality of economic growth or decline. It includes work conducted by inefficient employees in the state sector.
There are unnecessary, overpaid, or inefficient employees in ICE, Caja, RECOPE, municipalities and other such organisations.
Their pay is included in GDP. That is the same as including the pay of thousands of people paid to do nothing.
Corporations allow for depreciation of assets in their accounts.
This contrasts with GDP calculations. They do not deduct depreciation for decaying bridges, roads and other infrastructure.
Sadly, any motorist will attest to the mess Costa Rican infrastructure is in after years of neglect, corrupt repair contracts and badly planned investments.
Repairs after earthquakes, floods and other natural events count as growth using GDP, in reality they are just trying to maintain existing wealth.
In summary, it is difficult to make a general case for inward investment to Costa Rica.
There may be specific opportunities in fast food, tourism and other sectors. Potential further problems in Costa Rica and the world economy, add to the risks of these.
If a recession in the United States were to occur, the current boom in Costa Rica’s construction and tourism could prove a problematic bubble.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not necessarily the view of QCostarica.com and TheQmedia.com
Q COSTARICA — Every October 1st, Costa Rica celebrates Día de la Persona Adulta Mayor (Senior’s Day) in a context of rapid growth in this population. In Costa Rica, a senior citizen is considered to be someone 65 years of age or older.
In 2005, seniors represented 6% of the national population; by 2025, they will reach 11.7%, and projections indicate that by 2050, they will reach 20%, according to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC) – National Institute of Statistics and Census.
However, this group is not only growing in number, but also faces a painful reality: violence.
In 2023, 684 cases of abuse were reported, linked to physical or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, or sexual abuse.
In addition, through October 2024, 760 reports of abandonment were received through the ‘1165’ hotline, a significant increase compared to previous years. Furthermore, the Ministry of Security reports an average of five scams per day targeting this population.
Eduardo Carrillo, a psychology professor at Fidélitas University, points out that the most worrying aspect of abuse is that “in most cases, it occurs in the closest environment: the family or caregivers.”
The consequences go beyond the moment of the assault. The specialist warns that abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, social isolation, sleep disorders, and a greater risk of premature institutionalization.
Carrillo emphasizes that preventing abuse begins with raising awareness of the problem and promoting a culture of respect as a reflection of our society’s values.
“We need to educate families, train caregivers, and create community support networks. Old age is a stage that deserves to be lived with dignity and support,” stated the psychologist.
Recommendations for preventing abuse include fostering the social integration of seniors, promoting open and respectful communication, observing warning signs such as changes in behavior, withdrawal, or excessive fear, and reporting any suspicion of abuse.
Communities in Costa Rica are increasingly focusing on policies and programs that enhance the quality of life for seniors, including access to healthcare, social inclusion, and age-friendly infrastructure. Overall, Costa Rica’s older population is an important social group shaping the country’s future.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica consolidated its position as the country with the highest average spending per tourist in Central America, according to a Mastercard Advisors study using data from the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) – Costa Rica Tourism Board and the Banco Central de Costa Rica (Central Bank_.
According to the report, Average Spending per Person (ASP) reached US$2,062 in 2024. Furthermore, 75% of these transactions were made with debit or credit cards, reflecting the strength of the country’s digital payment infrastructure.
During 2024, tourism generated US$5.4 billion, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Although international arrivals in the first half of 2025 were moderate (1.4 million by air through June), the economic impact per visitor continues to increase.
The study details that ASP has grown at an annual rate of 7.26% since 2019, while the number of arrivals increased by 1.9% over the same period.
This confirms the trend toward higher-value tourism.
Regarding source markets, the United States accounted for 56% of tourism revenue. The main reason for travel remains vacation, recreation, and leisure (73%), followed by visiting family and friends (8%). Business travel also regained ground and reached 8%, approaching pre-pandemic levels.
“The evolution of tourism in Costa Rica paves the way for continued innovation in payment solutions that support its sustainable development,” said Kattia Montero, Mastercard Country Manager for Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
“On this World Tourism Day (September 27), we reaffirm our commitment to collaborating with institutions and stakeholders in the financial ecosystem to improve the international tourist experience and support the growth of one of the most vibrant sectors of the national economy,” she added.
Q COSTARICA — The imposition of tariffs on Costa Rican exports by the United States will impact the national economy in 2025.
In terms of GDP, a 15% tax on exported products will cause the economy to grow only 3.56%, four basis points less than the 3.60% initially projected when the tariff was 10%, according to a Deloitte analysis.
After this adjustment, Costa Rica became the second Central American country with the highest rate.
The sectors hardest hit in the short term will be agricultural, particularly pineapple, bananas, and coffee, while in the medium term, the impact will shift to higher value-added goods such as medical devices and electronic circuits.
The report also indicates that the effective tariff rate for the top ten exported products rose from 0.2% in 2024 to 7.9% in 2025, a significant increase that makes access to the US market more expensive.
Bright Side
Despite the complex outlook, Deloitte identifies a window of opportunity: The continued high taxes imposed on Asian countries, primarily China, could boost nearshoring (the relocation of operations to nearby countries to reduce costs and delivery times) to Costa Rica, attracting foreign investment and diversifying exports in the medium term.
The study concludes that protectionist measures reflect the trade interdependence between the two countries and that, although Costa Rica faces immediate challenges, it also has the potential to strengthen its role as an attractive destination for international investment.
Q COSTARICA — Starting today, October 1, all Costa Ricans applying for a visa to the United States must appear in person at the embassy for an interview, including children under 14 and adults over 79, according to Vice Consul Samantha Ducey.
The measure affects both new applicants and those needing to renew a visa that has expired for more than 12 months.
Some exceptions may apply, provided the applicant meets certain criteria, such as filing the application in their country of habitual residence, not having been previously denied, and having no apparent ineligibility.
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is located in Pavas
In the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica press release of September 29, 2025, it explains this is an update from the Department of State to the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a non-immigrant visa interview waiver.
The exceptions to this new provision are:
Applicants classified as A-1, A-2, C-3 (except assistants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1 visas.
Applicants for official or diplomatic visas.
Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican applicants) within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa, provided that the visa was issued with full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant is at least 18 years of age.
Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the expiration of the previous visa, provided that the visa was issued with full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant is at least 18 years old.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria:
Apply in their country of nationality or habitual residence (except for applicants for diplomatic visas and certain official visas).
Never have been denied a visa (unless the denial has been overcome or pardoned).
Not have any apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis and for any reason.
Q COSTARICA — The Economic Affairs legislative committee issued a majority ruling on File 24,658, which eliminates the need for a court order to lift bank secrecy.
The proposal, presented at the end of 2024 by Frente Amplio (FA) legislator Sofía Guillén, eliminates the need for a judge to approve such a decision in investigations related to drug trafficking or organized crime, as well as in cases of homicide and contract killings, “sicariato” in Spanish.
“Criminal organizations employ various financial mechanisms to hide, mobilize, and legitimize illicit assets, which is why they benefit from the opacity and obstacles that competent authorities face in tracing the financial flows resulting from their criminal activities,” legislator Guillén stated.
Thus, in any investigation conducted by judicial authorities, “financial institutions must comply, within a period of no more than ten business days, with all individualized information requests made by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which will be limited to that which is strictly convenient and necessary for investigative purposes.”
“These requests will be made by the Attorney General’s Office through a reasoned resolution, as they constitute relevant information for the purposes of the investigation and judicial proceedings in cases of national and transnational organized crime.
Frente Amplio (FA) legislator Sofía Guillén, proponent of the bill
The obligations to freeze funds, safeguard securities, and safeguard documents remain in place. These measures will be applied as soon as financial institutions receive formal notification of an investigation or file a complaint, and will remain in effect until the process concludes with a dismissal, filing, or final acquittal.
The bill also stipulates that when the Financial Analysis Unit of the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD) notifies a bank of an ongoing investigation, it must inform the Public Prosecutor’s Office. From that moment, the Prosecutor’s Office will have five calendar days to consider requesting the release of information on related clients.
The proposal also introduces sanctions for those who abuse these powers. Any official of the Public Prosecutor’s Office who makes requests intended to violate personal or credit data may be punished with imprisonment of one to six years, without prejudice to other civil, administrative, or disciplinary liabilities.
“Failure to comply with these conditions will give the affected person the right to appeal the measure before the appropriate court, but under no circumstances will access to the information be suspended,” the reform states.
The text was approved with the in favor vote of six of the seven deputies present, with only PLN legislator Gilberto Campos casting a dissenting vote.
The bill, which will now begin its final discussion, reforms Article 18 of Ley Contra la Delincuencia Organizada (Law Against Organized Crime) to expedite judicial proceedings.
“This is a good sign and a good effort by this committee. We hope it survives the Plenary and becomes law of the Republic,” said legislator Guillén.
Q COSTARICA — With no clear favorite to win in the first round, the presidential elections kick off today, Wednesday, October 1, with 20 candidates.
Barring any surprises, a runaway win by one of the candidates, Costa Rica will enter its fifth runoff election that will take place in April, because none of the candidates is expected to secure the 40% of valid votes in February to avoid a runoff.
In fact, several of the candidates have stated publicly that they believe a runoff election is inevitable.
Compared to the last election, there are five fewer candidates in this general election cycle..
“We are working with the understanding that there will be a second round and are fully focused on demonstrating to the population, and particularly to the undecided, that under our leadership, the new Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) has the will and the capacity to drive the profound transformations the country needs, as it has done in the past,” said Juan Carlos Hidalgo, the PUSC candidate.
Meanwhile, Claudio Alpízar, a candidate from the Partido Esperanza Nacional, stated that Laura Fernandez, a candidate for the ruling party, is dreaming if she believes it will win in the first round and obtain 40 legislative seats.
In Costa Rica, passing significant legislative bills, such as constitutional reforms or important fiscal measures, typically requires a supermajority vote in the Legislative Assembly. This means that more than the simple majority of 38 deputies (out of 57 total) must agree for the bill to pass.
In fact, Alpízar points out that anything can happen at this point, as there are many undecided voters.
“We are in an electoral competition that is more like a 42-kilometer marathon than a 100-meter sprint, and therefore, many things can happen in these six months.
“I don’t see the possibility of Ms. Laura Fernández winning in the first round for now, and it could even be that, in the medium term, it will become difficult for her to qualify for the second round,” Alpízar said.
Polls by CID Gallup and Opol Consultores gave Laura Fernández of the Partido Pueblo Soberano a voting intention of around 28% at best a month ago.
Few votes to advance to the second round
If no candidate wins in the first round, history shows that anything can happen.
The last three presidents, Rodrigo Chaves (16.5%), Carlos Alvarado (22.61%), and Luis Guillermo Solís (30%) entered the runoff election as runners-up with low voting intentions compared to their rivals, and ultimately defeated the favorite to declare themselves president.
In two of the three cases, it was against the candidates of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), who faced a kind of massive, anti-PLN sentiment.
Despite this, Álvaro Ramos, current PLN candidate, is confident that this election is about leadership, not about parties.
“I don’t feel the anti-liberación sentiment you’re suggesting. On the other hand, I think this election is about leadership, not about parties,” Ramos told this outlet.
The election will be held on February 1, 2026, and the second round, if necessary, will be held two months later on April 5.
The candidates (in alphabetical order) for the 2026 presidential elections:
Jose Aguilar, Partido Avanza
Luz Mary Alpízar, Partido Progreso Social
Claudio Alpízar, Esperanza Nacional
Fabricio Alvarado, Partido Nueva República
Luis Amador, Partido PIN
Douglas Caamaño, Partido Alianza Costa Rica Primero
Ana Virginia Calzada, Partido Centro Democrático y Social
Ronny Castillo, Partido Aquí Costa Rica Manda
Natalia Díaz, Partido Unidos Podemos (former Minister of the Presidency in the current administration and her second consecutive run for the presidency)
Claudia Dobles, Partido Agenda Ciudadana (former First Lady and wife of former president Carlos Alvarado, 2018-2022)
Eli Feinzaig, Partido Liberal Progresista
Laura Fernández, Partido Pueblo Soberano
Wálter Hernández, Partido Justicia Social Costarricense
David Hernández, Partido De los Trabajadores
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, Partido PUSC
Boris Molina, Partido Unión Costarricense Democrática
Q24N — Between January and August 2025, 30 flights carrying 3,482 deported Nicaraguan immigrants arrived in Nicaragua, according to the US Deportation Flight Report, prepared by Thomas Cartwright and published this September by Human Rights First.
According to the report, the number of documented Nicaraguans deported through last August already exceeds the annual deportation records for the last five years in Nicaragua.
After the first two years of sociopolitical crisis in Nicaragua, which triggered the massive migration of Nicaraguans fleeing Ortega’s repression, in 2020, the United States deported 3,200 Nicaraguans on 28 flights. In subsequent years, this figure has not been surpassed.
More than 18,000 Nicaraguans deported in five years
In 2021, US authorities deported 2,900 Nicaraguans on 25 flights; In 2022, 3,100 Nicaraguans were deported on 27 flights; in 2023, 2,600 were deported on 22 flights; and last year, 2,700 were deported on 20 flights.
The increase in the number of deportations in 2025 coincides with the imposition of the new immigration policy of President Donald Trump, who took office in the United States in January of this year.
The Human Rights First report indicates that Nicaragua remains among the ten countries with the most deportation flights from the United States, with more than 18,000 Nicaraguans deported in the last five years, despite its “limited capacity” to reintegrate returnees.
More flights in the second quarter of 2025
Nicaragua is the Central American country with the fourth highest number of flights carrying deportees so far in 2025, surpassed only by Guatemala (309), Honduras (259), and El Salvador (119).
Human Rights First details that deportations to Nicaragua increased especially in the second quarter of 2025, with the arrival of more flights: May (5), June (5), July (6), and August (5).
In the first four months of the year, the number of flights was lower: January (2), February (2), March (2), and April (3).
The Ortega-Murillo dictatorship, although it has opened the door to flights for Nicaraguans deported from the United States, has begun implementing new repressive policies in recent months, including detentions or the de facto imposition of house arrest, against some of these returnees who left Nicaragua seeking international protection after participating in the 2018 social protests.
Q24N — Once again, the United States Department of State warned of the dangers of investing in Nicaragua and advised that extreme caution and due diligence be exercised when doing so.
As part of the growing deterioration of the investment climate, it detailed that the constitutional reform, effective February 2025, abolished judicial independence; a new foreign investment law designed to control and monitor the situation was approved; the rule of law is not fairly enforced; there is no predictable business environment; and corruption is rampant because the legal framework that criminalizes it is not enforced.
The Nicaragua Investment Climate Statement 2025 report, published over the weekend and updated annually, acknowledges that the worsening deterioration of the business climate occurs despite the fact that, amid systematic repression and growing poverty, Nicaragua continues to display stable macroeconomic fundamentals.
These include a sustainable debt burden; a well-capitalized national banking sector and a record level of international reserves, which, according to the most recent report from the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN), stood at US$7.2 billion as of June 30, 2025.
But while the macroeconomy is robust, according to the document, authorities continue to plague the investment climate with reputational risks and arbitrary regulations, as they “continue to unjustly detain political prisoners, forcibly exile citizens, confiscate private property, and violate and dismantle the rule of law,” the document details.
Law to Control and Oversee Investment
The report warns investors that although Nicaragua has laws related to foreign investment, “their implementation, enforcement, and interpretation are subject to corruption and political pressure.”
It also explains that Law 1240, the Foreign Investment Law, which was approved in February and entered into force in May 2025, is designed to exercise control and oversight over Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.
Law 1240 established that investments must be registered to remain in the country; this was previously voluntary. Other requirements include that investors submit quarterly compliance reports and statistical data to the Central Bank. In addition, it created the National Commission on Foreign Investment (CNIE), which is headed, in his capacity as presidential investment advisor, by the dictators’ son, Laureano Ortega Murillo, who has even been sanctioned by the United States since April 2019.
Laureano Ortega Murillo will coordinate the CNIE, which will select the investments that receive registration to remain or enter the country; and the Secretariat for the Promotion of Investments and Exports (SPIEX), which he also directs, will act as the CNIE’s technical secretariat.
The National Commission on Foreign Investment will meet when Ortega Murillo calls it and will report to three officials: the president of the Central Bank, Ovidio Reyes; the head of the Ministry of Development, Industry, and Commerce (Mific), Erwin Ramírez; and the executive director of the National Commission of Free Trade Zones (CNZF), a position held on an interim basis by Fernando Diego Sánchez Solórzano since June 2023.
Q24N — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency due to what he describes as a looming “aggression” threat from the United States, following a series of deadly US strikes on boats suspected of carrying Venezuelan drugs.
In a televised speech on Monday, Maduro said, “Today we began the consultation process to declare a state of emergency, as outlined in our constitution, to protect our people, our peace, and our stability in case Venezuela is militarily attacked by the American empire.”
Earlier that day, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez told foreign diplomats that Maduro had signed a decree granting himself “special powers” as head of state. This would allow him to act decisively on defense and security matters if the US “dares to attack our homeland.”
The decree would enable Maduro to mobilize troops nationwide and give the military control over public services and the oil sector.
This comes as US President Donald Trump has sent a significant naval force to waters near Venezuela, including eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and F-35 stealth fighters, alongside additional F-35s deployed to Puerto Rico.
This marks the largest US naval presence in the Caribbean in years.
Trump has repeatedly framed these moves as part of an anti-drug campaign to stop illegal narcotics from entering the US, despite data from the UN and US agencies indicating Venezuela is not a major cocaine source for the US market.
The US military has struck at least three small vessels in international waters near Venezuela, claiming they were involved in illicit drug trafficking.
At least 17 Venezuelans have died in these strikes, prompting Venezuela to accuse the US of waging an “undeclared war.” Under Maduro, the country has positioned itself as a defender against what it calls Western “imperialism.”
Reports suggest the situation may escalate further. NBC News reported that US military officials are preparing plans for air raids targeting drug traffickers inside Venezuela itself.
Maduro dismissed US accusations of Venezuela’s significant involvement in drug trafficking and expressed a desire for a “historic and peaceful” relationship with the US.
International experts and the UN have criticized the US bombings, saying attacks on boats in international waters without court indictments amount to “extrajudicial killings.”
Trump has also warned Venezuela it will pay an “incalculable” price if it does not take back immigrants the US president described as “prisoners” and “people from mental institutions.”
The special powers Maduro granted himself under the decree would last 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension, in line with Venezuela’s constitution.
