Q COSTARICA — The Administrative Court has put a stop to the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) — Costa Rican Social Security Fund, charging retroactive payments to self-employed workers (Trabajadores independientes in Spanish).
The ruling, issued in case file 19-001284-1027-CA, says the CCSS cannot calculate retroactive charges based solely on the income tax declaration of self-employed workers.
The ruling does not eliminate mandatory contributions for self-employed workers, nor does it question the existence of parafiscal contributions. However, it does highlight that the CCSS “merely assumed, automatically, thoughtlessly, and illegitimately,” that the income declared on income tax returns was the same income that should be used to calculate the contribution for years.
“The ruling makes it clear that the conflict wasn’t about the possibility of auditing, but about the way the institution structured the retroactive collection. Because reviewing financial information is one thing, but automatically transforming an income tax return into a social security bill is quite another,” said tax attorney Gabriel Zamora Baudrit
Previously, the CCSS had been applying retroactive charges to settle supposed differences in contributions, using the tax declaration as the main reference.
The court found that such retroactive charges violate legal principles and the rights of workers because the income tax declaration is not an appropriate or sufficient basis for these retroactive assessments.
This ruling annuls automatic retroactive collections made by the CCSS against self-employed workers, protecting them from unexpected retroactive charges that could have significant financial impacts. It also sets a legal precedent limiting how the CCSS can enforce payments and collect contributions from this group in the future.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s president, Laura Fernández, didn’t remain silent too long, in the face of strong criticism for “praising” the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo in Nicaragua
The president responded, making it clear that she holds no diplomatic ties with Nicaragua, yet she would never speak harshly about her northern neighbors.
This is what Fernández responded: “I was emphatic in that hour-long interview: we have no diplomatic relations with Nicaragua, Costa Rica doesn’t even have an embassy in Nicaragua, but that doesn’t mean I can go on an interview and rail against a neighboring country; it wouldn’t be that irresponsible.”
Fernández was referring to the interview with news network NTN24 when she stated that Nicaraguans have the “government it has chosen to have,” which sparked controversy due to her position on Nicaragua’s co-dictators.
Her stance also directly contradicts the policy of Costa Rica’s primary ally, the United States. Political analysts noted that her foreign policy remarks serve as a continuation of her predecessor Rodrigo Chaves’s administration.
“I don’t have time to get involved in other people’s problems,” she asserted, which many interpret as her fear that Ortega will send mobs to the border.
The president stated that she is interested in Nicaraguan workers in Costa Rica who are properly registered, but also that she will not tolerate migrants who come to commit crimes, referring to Nicaraguans who illegally mine gold in Crucitas.
Fernández remains in the eye of the storm, although she acknowledges that Nicaraguans support Costa Rica’s economy: “They work with dignity here.”
“I am interested in having an orderly border, with orderly migration flows, and I am interested in having good trade relations with Nicaragua,” she maintained.
Manuel Orozco, political analyst and researcher at the Inter-American Dialogue, told Divergentes.com, that behind Costa Rica’s caution toward the Ortega-Murillo regime lies a long-standing political calculation.
Fernández’s statements do not come out of nowhere. Fernández’s position is a continuation of Rodrigo Chaves’s administration of avoiding direct confrontation with Managua for fear that the regime might close the border and disrupt the Central American trade route—a key corridor for the flow of goods among the countries of the isthmus.
Q COSTARICA — The school calendar defines the dates for vacations, family activities, and academic commitments.
The Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP)—Ministry of Public Education, has set the dates for the mid-year break in its 2026 calendar. This schedule will allow families, students, and schools to plan academic activities and breaks for the coming year in advance.
The mid-year break will take place from July 6 to 17, 2026.
This break will mark the end of the first academic term and the beginning of the second term of the academic calendar.
Complete information on the 2026 school calendar is available on the website provided by the Ministry of Public Education: calendario.mep.go.cr/2026.
The calendar also establishes that graduation ceremonies will be held on December 10 and 11, 2026, after the end of the academic year.
Public schools are tuition-free, fully immersive in Spanish, and deeply connect students to local communities, but face frequent schedule interruptions and underfunded infrastructure, while private and international schools offer robust English-bilingual or foreign curricula, continuous schedules, and modern resources, but require significant tuition fees
Both public and private schools operate under standards set by the MEP. Both follow the Costa Rican school year, which runs from February to December. However, some top international schools follow the U.S. and Canada school year, typically from early September to late May or early June.
Q COSTARICA — Need a taxi from the Juan Santamaría (San José) International Airport (SJO)? Would you like the flexibility of a taxi, but with the convenient features of the Uber app?
Nacion.com reports that Uber has confirmed the development of a pilot plan to integrate traditional taxi drivers in Costa Rica into its platform. This initiative aims to facilitate access for taxi drivers to Uber’s digital service, allowing them to connect with customers through the app.
Despite this move, the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT)—Ministry of Public Works and Transport—has warned that this service remains unregulated and is subject to the same laws that apply to other transportation services.
The integration plan represents a step toward modernizing taxi services while navigating regulatory challenges in the country
Users can already request a ride, book a trip anytime through the app or website, and check affordable prices upfront for every trip.
Screenshot taken June 17, 2026, from the Uber app. The airport taxis are identified as the orange vehicles, the color of the airport taxis.
Uber is easy to find and works well in Costa Rica, especially around the Greater Metropolitan Area (San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago).
Impact on Users: Users now have a dedicated option to request a traditional taxi directly from their cell phone. This will increase vehicle availability, especially during peak hours.
App usage: Interested taxi drivers can use the Uber Driver app to register, receive alerts for nearby trips, and maximize their earnings.
Identity preservation: Licensed drivers maintain their independence and the status of their service as regulated by the State.
Legislative context: The company’s announcement coincides with the debate in the Legislative Assembly on bills to formally regulate technology platforms in the country.
The Legal Status & “Front Seat” Rule
Uber officially started operations in Costa Rica in 2015 and still operates in a gray area. The service hasn’t been officially legalized yet, although the government expects it to pay taxes: in June 2019, the company started collecting the 13% value added tax (known as IVA in Costa Rica) on Uber rides.
Because traffic police occasionally fine drivers or confiscate license plates, drivers will almost always ask you to sit in the front passenger seat. This helps the vehicle look like a private car carrying friends or family rather than a ride-share.
Q COSTARICA — Five weeks after taking office, President Laura Fernández presented six bills to the Legislative Assembly aimed at curbing drug trafficking and organized crime.
The presentation included a stage, ministers, government deputies, police officers, and members of the ‘Elite Force’. The president said this is just the first package and that “many more will come,” because, in her words, the crisis in the administration of justice in Costa Rica must be addressed “by everyone.”
On Monday, the president went personally to the Legislative Assembly for this purpose, accompanied by Rodrigo Chaves, Minister of the Presidency.
In her keynote address, she emphasized that she will always stand with the victims, while also asserting that she is unconcerned by criticism from progressive groups regarding her proposals for a tough stance.
“The permissiveness towards repeat offenders must end. Those who make crime their way of life must receive harsher penalties. (…) We stand with the victims. And yes, I say it directly: I stand with the victims. I stand with the criminals. And if they want to label me as whatever they want for that, I don’t care. Here, the victims must be the top priority in public policy and the laws of the Republic,” Fernández said.
In presenting one of the proposals, called “Zero Idleness in Prisons,” she asserted that “our country is tired of tolerating vagrancy and corruption in penitentiary centers.”
“We don’t want any more idlers in prison. So we are establishing that incarcerated individuals must participate in productive activities,” Fernández stated.
“Give us the tools.”The government starts with a clean slate and presents a clear strategy to the Legislative Assembly. Important to note that no one in their right mind is going to say the country doesn’t need better instruments to combat organized crime, recidivism, cell phones entering prisons, clandestine airstrips, criminal recruitment, or attacks against police officers.
They are most welcome! The problem, as always, lies in the details… where the devil lives. Sometimes it comes in a suit and tie, sometimes with a statement of purpose.
These are the 6 bills Laura Fernández presented this Monday:
Ley Gerson Rosales (Gerson Rosales Law)From now on, the armed response of a police officer will be presumed to be legitimate self-defense, and penalties will be increased for those who attack officers of the various police forces.The legislation is named after Officer Gerson Rosales, who was murdered a month ago by a criminal gang in Limón.
Ley contra pertenencia a organizaciones criminales (Law Against Membership in Criminal Organizations) Currently, there are no specific prison sentences for those who are part of a criminal network.For this reason, President Laura Fernández is presenting a proposed law to establish prison sentences of 3 to 8 years for those who are members of or provide services to criminal organizations.
Ley de mano firme contra la reincidencia delictiva (Law Against Repeat Offenders) Repeat offenders will not be able to be released by judges simply by claiming family or employment ties.
Three categories are established for punishing recidivism:
a) simple recidivism, committed by anyone who commits a new intentional crime within a 15-year period;
b) aggravated recidivism, when the new crime involves organized crime, drug trafficking, or membership in criminal organizations; and
c) habitual recidivism, committed by anyone who, within 15 years, accumulates three or more intentional crimes with a sentence and commits a new one, as well as professional criminals.
Ley de cero ocio en las cárceles (Zero Idleness Law in Prisons) For a person to receive a sentence reduction, they must work within the prison in a productive activity established by the Ministry of Justice.35% of their earnings will be used for their upkeep, another 35% will be allocated to the families of victims, 20% to support their families, and 10% will be allocated to a savings fund so that, upon release from prison, they can rebuild their lives.
Ley contra las pistas de aterrizaje clandestinas (Law Against Clandestine Airstrips)Prison sentences of 5 to 10 years are established for owners, lessees, possessors, or administrators of airstrips, airfields, or landing sites used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking.
Registros judiciales de 15 años (15-Year Criminal Records)Individuals convicted of crimes against life, organized crime, and drug trafficking will not have the right to be forgotten; therefore, these crimes will remain on criminal records for 15 years after the sentence has been served.
The agenda of the bills is now in the hands of the legislators.
RICO’s Q! — If you’ve spent any time in Costa Rica, chances are you’ve wandered into a Librería Lehmann (Lehmann Bookstore). And if you haven’t, you’ve probably caught yourself glancing at their big, inviting windows—whether in a mall or the iconic downtown San José location—wondering what treasures might be inside.
But in a few weeks, those familiar doors will close for good. Lehmann Bookstores will be closing its doors permanently.
This Tuesday, the bookstore announced its decision to the public via a post on its Facebook page.
Lehmann is/was Costa Rica’s oldest bookstore since 1896 and was one of San José’s landmark bookstores.
According to management, the economic, technological, and social changes of recent decades have irreversibly transformed consumer habits, educational models, and the dynamics of the publishing market, making the business’s continued operation unsustainable.
“Today, the time has come to close this chapter of our history. We are closing our doors, but the values that inspired us from day one remain: a love for books, knowledge, and education,” the company stated in its farewell message.
As part of the closure, the bookstore will begin a complete liquidation sale with discounts of up to 70% on a wide selection of titles. Some copies have been reserved for donation programs and cultural projects, so that their contribution to the country’s education transcends the closure of their premises.
Q COSTARICA — Barrio Escalante is celebrating Canadian gastronomy and culture with the Canadian Food Festival, an initiative organized by Distrito G and the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica.
The event that kicked off June 12 and runs to the 28th features culinary offerings, art, and activities for visitors of all ages.
During the festival, twelve restaurants are presenting dishes inspired by Canadian recipes and traditions, reinterpreted by local chefs. Each culinary offering will be paired with a Bavaria beer selected to complement the flavors of each dish.
“At Distrito G, we are thrilled to resume our food festivals, spaces that allow us to introduce visitors to new cultures through gastronomy and create memorable experiences around good food,” said Mónica Mendoza, executive director of Distrito G.
The offerings include dishes such as salmon fish and chips, poutine, maple-marinated salmon, Nanaimo bars, Canadian-style pizza, and buttermilk pancakes.
The festival also ties in with the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the main international football tournament, in which Canada is one of the host countries.
The initiative aims to introduce the Costa Rican public to Canadian traditions, diversity, and cultural expressions through experiences that go beyond gastronomy.
“This festival is an invitation to discover Canada through its cuisine, its diversity, and the shared passion for football. We are thrilled to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our countries,” said Ioanna Sahas Martin, Canada’s ambassador to Costa Rica.
As part of the program, attendees can participate in a Passport activity to visit participating establishments and win various prizes, which include overnight stays in Dota, foosball tables, kits, and commemorative items related to the football celebration.
With the festival, Barrio Escalante reinforces its commitment to experiences that combine gastronomy, culture, and entertainment, promoting cultural exchange between Costa Rica and Canada.
Participating Restaurants:
La Parrillada Argentina: Canadian Salmon Fish & Chips
Hoja de Plátano: Buttermilk Pancakes
Perséfone y Deméter: Maple-Cured Beef
Olio: Maple-Marinated Canadian Salmon
Vinoteca: Cranberry Bannocks
Agüizotes: Poutine
Ukelele: Canadian-Style Shrimp Crudo
Dulce Junio: Nanaimo Bars
Loretto’s: Canadian-Style Three-Cheese Pizza
Tapis y Tapas: Lobster Poutine
Árbol de Seda: Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Maple Syrup
Garden Bistró: Pasta Salad with Salmon and Maple Syrup
RICO’s Q — In a satirical article, Luis Paulino Vargas Solís reported on social media an “Important notice: Exclusive Nicaragua trip for Chavista supporters.”
Luis Paulino writes: “Given the close, warm, affectionate, and intimate ties of understanding, support, and mutual assistance between the Chavista government of Laura Fernández and the ‘elected’ rulers of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega and his co-president and wife Rosario Murillo, a beautiful, enthusiastic, and festive trip to Nicaragua is being announced, exclusively for Chavista supporters.
“For this special occasion, the Chavista faithful will enjoy luxury, air-conditioned buses. Along the way, they will be served delicious Cantonese rice and coffee with biscuits. This boisterous delegation will be led by three 2026 Toyota Prado SUVs carrying President Fernández, her husband, Minister Chaves Robles, and advisor Pilar Cisneros. Obviously, these cars will be escorted throughout the journey by a group of 99 high-end motorcycles and 15 police patrol cars. They will also be accompanied from the air by a swarm of 132 drones from the DIS (Costa Rica’s Intelligence Service).
“The first stop on this elegant tour will be Granada and the islets of Lake Cocibolca, also known as Lake Nicaragua. On the second day, they will visit San Juan del Sur, where the Chavista faithful will have the opportunity to enjoy the turquoise sea and the beautiful beaches of this paradisiacal place. Meanwhile, President Fernández, her husband, advisor Cisneros, and Minister Chaves will have the opportunity to enjoy a captivating journey through Nicaraguan waters aboard a super-luxury yacht provided by Nicaragua’s “chosen” couple—the Ortega-Murillo couple—during which they will sample fine liquors and a variety of abundant Nicaraguan delicacies.
“On the third day, they will arrive in Managua, where they will be personally received by the Ortega-Murillo couple and their entire family—daughters, sons, and grandchildren—who, as is well known, control half of Nicaragua. President Fernández and advisor Cisneros will each receive bouquets of roses. The First Lady will be presented with a traditional Nicaraguan hat and a cotton shirt, while Minister Chaves will receive two six-packs of Nicaraguan beer, Toña. That evening, a gala dinner will be held for Costa Rican authorities, to which, however, the Chavista supporters will not have access.
“This is of no consequence, as they will enjoy a guided tour of downtown Managua, where they can sample the sausage sold at street food stalls.
“On the fourth day, the Chavista supporters will enjoy another guided tour, this time to see the ‘árboles de la vida’ (the metal installations of public art located in different sites in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua)’ that the ‘elected’ co-president, Murillo, placed throughout the capital.
“For the high-ranking members of the delegation—the president, her husband, Minister Chaves, and advisor Cisneros—this will be a day of rest, hydration, and recovery, and, in short, a day to sober up, since the gala dinner is scheduled to continue into a full-blown orgy that will conclude around 6 or 7 the following morning.
“The fifth day will be the return to Costa Rica.
“Upon boarding the bus, the Chavista faithful will receive instructions stating the following: From now on, it is forbidden to tell the opposition to go live in Nicaragua.”
Satire is a style of writing or art that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize human flaws, social issues, or political corruption. It’s a way to shine a light on problems by making them look ridiculous or absurd, often encouraging people to think differently or inspire change. Satire can be found in books, movies, TV shows, cartoons, and even speeches. While it’s funny on the surface, its true power lies in the message behind the joke.
Q COSTARICA — Former president Carlos Alvarado (2018-2022) has decided to take a position clearly contrary to that of our President Laura Fernández, who stated that Nicaragua has the government they themselves elected.
Alvarado, on the contrary, said that “Nicaragua still pains us Costa Ricans,” referring to the complex relationship between Costa Rica and Nicaragua that carries a deep, historical ache, defined by the sharp contrast between Costa Rica’s democratic stability and the prolonged political repression in Nicaragua, interwoven with decades of heavy migration, border disputes, and shared environmental anxieties like illegal mining along the border
President Fernandez sparked controversy after stating that Nicaraguans have the government they chose. Her remarks, viewed by many as dismissive of ongoing political struggles, have drawn sharp criticism from activists, opposition leaders, and international observers.
Chinchilla, Solís, Alvarado, and Dobles, as many others argue, that Fernandez’s comments overlook the complex realities in Nicaragua, where allegations of electoral fraud, repression, and limited political freedoms have marred recent elections. They contend that framing the government as a simple product of choice ignores the broader context of intimidation and restricted democratic processes.
Opposition voices emphasize that many Nicaraguans face severe consequences when opposing the current regime, raising questions about the legitimacy of any claim that the government reflects a free and fair choice.
Fernandez has not yet issued a public response to the backlash. Meanwhile, debate continues over the state of democracy in Nicaragua and the international community’s role in addressing the country’s political challenges.
Q COSTARICA — Legislator and former First Lady Claudia Dobles reacted with evident indignation and annoyance to the recent statements made by President Laura Fernández regarding the political and social situation in Nicaragua.
The legislator’s discontent erupted after the president stated in an international interview that the conditions in the neighboring country cannot be compared to those of Cuba or Venezuela, arguing that Nicaraguans enjoy a thriving economy and, moreover, have the government they have chosen.
These words raised alarms in various political sectors, but Dobles’ response was one of the most categorical, calling Fernández’s statements shameful, although she added that they were not entirely surprising.
For the legislator, it is unacceptable that the head of state has avoided at all costs referring to Nicaragua as a dictatorship.
In her strong rebuttal, Dobles pointed out that the argument that the Nicaraguan people democratically elected their current rulers ignores an undeniable reality: at least the last three electoral processes in that nation have been thoroughly questioned by the international community. Furthermore, the main opposition candidates were imprisoned or exiled by the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
The former first lady also took a direct jab at the current administration, stating that this stance reflects a continuation of the policies of Rodrigo Chaves, which, according to her, also avoided labeling the neighboring government a dictatorship, ignoring the constant human rights violations reported in that country.
Dobles’s complaint carries particular historical and political weight due to the role Costa Rica played during the administration of her husband, former President Carlos Alvarado (2018-2022), a period in which she served as first lady.
Instead of opting for pragmatism, the Alvarado government maintained a confrontational diplomatic stance with Nicaragua and opened the country’s doors with a strictly humanitarian approach, receiving an extraordinary wave of more than 70,000 formal asylum applications from citizens fleeing persecution and violence.
Therefore, the current position by President Fernández is perceived by the Partito Acción Ciudadana (PAC) as a dismantling of the traditional values of solidarity and defense of democracy that have historically guided Costa Rican foreign policy.
Finally, the legislator closed her message with a direct warning to the local population, urging them to take note of how the dictatorial regime in Nicaragua managed to consolidate its power precisely through the capture of the media, control of the judiciary, and the dismantling of all institutions that guaranteed the independence of the branches of government and electoral transparency.
However, President Fernández’s stance also finds support among those who defend a realistic and pragmatic approach to international relations, arguing that her words accurately reflect the macroeconomic context of the northern neighbor.
From this perspective, it is emphasized that Nicaragua, unlike the humanitarian collapse and chronic shortages experienced in Cuba or Venezuela, maintains an active market economy, with stable flows of foreign investment, ongoing projects, and strong commercial dynamism fueled by remittances. Under this interpretation, the president’s moderate rhetoric is perceived by many sectors as the right decision to avoid fueling an unnecessary confrontation with a nation with which Costa Rica shares a border and with which it has direct contact, given that thousands of Nicaraguans reside and work in Costa Rican territory.
It is worth remembering that both countries are strongly intertwined by historical economic ties, with Nicaragua being Costa Rica’s main trading partner in Central America and the key destination for a large portion of its national production and exports. Therefore, breaking off diplomatic channels would jeopardize a vital exchange for the region’s development, which is why the president’s words are considered by many to be a sign of prudence and political wisdom.
This commercial and demographic landscape is further complicated by a stark geopolitical reality shared by various analysts, who point out that while Nicaragua lives under an authoritarian regime where Sandinismo controls all branches of government and suppresses free elections, Costa Rica has virtually no room to maneuver to alter this internal situation.
Those who justify President Fernández’s caution argue that the forceful condemnations, reproaches, and confrontational rhetoric issued by previous administrations, such as those of former presidents Luis Guillermo Solís (2014-2018) and Carlos Alvarado, did not weaken the Nicaraguan regime’s grip on power. On the contrary, they closed off essential communication channels crucial for border security and the flow of goods.
From this perspective of constructive non-intervention, it is concluded that Costa Rica should not jeopardize its own stability by fueling sterile disputes with a neighboring political landscape it cannot change. This reinforces the president’s stance as a logical path to safeguarding national interests above ideological conflict.
Q COSTARICA — Following the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14, the Ministry of Health reiterated its call to the public to become voluntary blood donors and contribute to the blood supply in hospitals and medical centers across the country.
The Ministry emphasized that donating blood is a safe and altruistic procedure that can save lives, especially in cases of emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, transplants, accidents, and the care of burn victims.
Under the slogan “Una gota de humanidad. Donemos sangre. Salvemos vidas” (A drop of humanity. Let’s donate blood. Let’s save lives), this year’s campaign sought to recognize those who donate blood voluntarily and encourage more citizens to participate regularly.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 91,348 units of blood were collected in Costa Rica during 2024, of which approximately 60% came from voluntary donors. However, authorities noted that the demand for blood remains constant at various health centers throughout the country.
The Ministry of Health also highlighted that a single donation can benefit up to four patients, since blood is separated into different components that are used according to each person’s medical needs.
To donate blood, individuals must be between 18 and 65 years old, in good health, weigh more than 52 kilograms (115 pounds), and be at least 150 centimeters (5 feet) tall. They must also present a valid identification document, stay hydrated, and have eaten a light breakfast before donating.
It is also recommended to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for 24 hours prior to donation, to avoid fatty foods or dairy products before the procedure, and not to arrive on an empty stomach. Authorities also indicated that those who have had tattoos, piercings, surgeries, or gastroscopies in the last six months will not be able to donate temporarily.
The Ministry of Health urged the public to visit blood banks and authorized centers, reminding them that each donation can represent a new opportunity for life for those who require transfusions or specialized medical treatments.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica continues to strengthen its presence in Asia and expand opportunities for the export sector in high-value-added markets.
From June 9 to 12, four Costa Rican companies participated in the Seoul Food & Hotel 2026 trade show, one of the most important trade platforms for the food industry in Asia, which brings together buyers, distributors, supermarket chains, hotels, restaurants, and food service companies from around the world.
The Costa Rican delegation consisted of Inalve, Natural Aloe, and Frutera La Paz, companies that will showcase a differentiated offering of dehydrated pineapple and banana, frozen tropical fruits, frozen cassava-based products, and aloe extract; primarily targeting the HORECA segment (hotels, restaurants, and catering services).
In addition to their participation in the trade fair, the companies held business meetings and strategic visits to leading chains and retail outlets such as Homeplus, Shinsegae, and Lotte Premium Food Market, with the aim of understanding consumer trends, identifying business opportunities, and strengthening their position in the South Korean market.
“Market diversification is one of the main priorities for strengthening the resilience and growth of Costa Rican exports. Asia represents an increasingly relevant opportunity for our companies, and South Korea stands out for its sophistication, purchasing power, and growing interest in differentiated foods. Participating in events like Seoul Food & Hotel allows us to connect Costa Rican exports with new buyers, generate business opportunities, and continue expanding the country’s presence in strategic markets around the world,” stated Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER.
South Korea has established itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic markets for premium, healthy, and convenient foods, driven by consumers increasingly interested in product quality, traceability, innovation, and origin. This context opens opportunities for Costa Rican exports, internationally recognized for their high standards of quality and sustainability.
The presence at Seoul Food & Hotel is part of a broader trade promotion agenda that Costa Rica is developing in South Korea this year, including initiatives to strengthen the position of Costa Rican coffee in that market, one of Asia’s most dynamic for high-quality food and beverage products.
Q COSTARICA — Despite international concerns about human rights violations in Nicaragua, President Laura Fernández defended maintaining a cordial relationship with the neighbouring country.
“We maintain a long-standing trade relationship… we don’t have extensive diplomatic channels, but we do have a cordial relationship between two nations that share a border,” Fernández stated during an interview with NTN24.
The president avoided elaborating on the allegations of a lack of democratic freedoms in Nicaragua, arguing that each nation defines its own political path and distinguishing Nicaragua’s situation from that of Cuba and Venezuela in economic terms.
“God be with Nicaragua, God be with Costa Rica, and God be with all of them, with their internal problems and the form of government they have chosen, and we here are maintaining a peaceful and harmonious neighborly relationship in every way possible,” Fernández affirmed.
The statements prompted an immediate reaction from former President Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014), who apologized to the Nicaraguan people and noted that the last three presidential elections in Nicaragua have been widely questioned by international organizations.
“I apologize to the sisters and brothers of Nicaragua for the atrocious statements made by the president of my country,” Chinchilla wrote on her social media.
Chinchilla was very concerned by two phrases by Fernández: “Nicaraguans have the form of government they have chosen to have” and “God is with Nicaragua.”
Chinchilla said Fernández is ignoring that the last three “re-elections” (2011, 2016, 2021) organized by the Ortega-Murillo regime were questioned by international observers.
Chinchilla added that “In the last election (in 2021), seven presidential candidates were imprisoned or disqualified.”
“Concealed under a supposed ‘economic stability’ the suffering to which the Nicaraguan people have been subjected by the dictatorship: more than 350 murders; more than 120 cases of forced disappearance; more than 1,000 opponents detained; more than 5,000 civil society organizations closed; dozens of universities shut down; and documented transnational repression, which includes the vile murder in Costa Rican territory of Roberto Samcam,” said Chinchilla.
The strongest reaction by Chinchilla: “There are two possible explanations for such a blunder: ignorance or indifference. If it is the former, it shames the country; if it is the latter, it dishonors our tradition of absolute condemnation of tyrannies and does not represent the majority sentiment of us Costa Ricans.”
Former President Luis Guillermo Solís (2014-2018) also offered criticism.
“This has been confirmed by multiple independent human rights organizations, including the United Nations itself. Furthermore, the president has stated that the Nicaraguan population in Costa Rica represents 25% of the total. This is entirely false, as that percentage fluctuates between 7% and 10%, considering that many of them are already Costa Rican citizens, and that others live in our country only seasonally, following the harvest cycles,” Solís asserted.
Legisaltor and former First Lady of Costa Rica (2018-2022), Claudia Dobles, strongly criticized the president’s stance on her social media, stating that Costa Rica should not validate authoritarian regimes.
Miguel Mendoza, the exiled Nicaraguan journalist described the statement by Fernández as “disappointing and clumsy.” He also denounced the Costa Rican president for deliberately ignoring the humanitarian crisis and the systematic violation of freedoms in Nicaragua.
#TORPEZA | Qué decepcionante la presidenta de Costa Rica, Laura Fernández, durante una entrevista en NTN24. Destrozó a las dictaduras de Cuba y Venezuela, pero cuando le preguntaron sobre la tiranía que vive Nicaragua, pintó la situación como si estuviéramos en un paraíso,… pic.twitter.com/wGu0Rx2CBQ
Q COSTARICA — The partial closure of Ruta 27 at kilometer 56, near Orotina, could lead to increased logistics costs and affect national supply if the situation persists, warned the Cámara de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Crecex) — Costa Rican Chamber of Foreign Trade.
The disruption is due to a sinkhole that appeared in the highway at the end of last month, one of the main connecting routes between the Greater Metropolitan Area (GSM) and Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica’s largest and most important seaport on the Pacific.
Approximately 80% of the country’s imports enter through Caldera, and roughly 20% of national exports leave through it.
According to Crecex, around 500 containers travel daily on Route 27, transporting goods to and from Puerto Caldera.
Due to the road closures, many truckers have had to use alternative routes, such as Cambronero on Ruta 1, which is not without its own problems, with traffic regulated through the single-lane modular bridge and increased volume and congestion due to the problems on the 27.
While a trip on Ruta 27 currently takes about two and a half hours (typically less than 90 minutes), the journey through Cambronero can take up to five hours or more.
Rodney Salazar, president of Crecex, pointed out that a prolonged problem could translate into higher transportation costs, delivery delays, and disruptions to the supply chain, which is passed on to consumers.
The organization estimates that each trip could become between US$75 and US$100 more expensive due to increased fuel consumption, operating time, and equipment usage.
Furthermore, the delays could lead to storage problems, breaches of contract, and delays in inventory replenishment.
Products entering through Puerto Caldera include clothing, footwear, appliances, vehicles, iron, and various raw materials.
Crecex also warned that reduced container turnover could slow port operations and generate additional costs for importers and logistics operators.
The business sector called on authorities to address the situation quickly, given the strategic importance of Ruta 27 for foreign trade and the country’s supply chain.
Q COSTARICA — In recent years, Costa Rica’s national banking system has made decisions focused on achieving gender equality, not only through its financial products for female clients, but also internally, reflecting greater female participation in finance and decision-making.
Thanks to its progress, the financial system is gradually becoming an example of gender equality.
Currently, 54% of all bank employees are women, compared to just 48% in 2015.
This percentage not only reflects significant progress in recent years but also far exceeds female participation across all sectors of the country, which, according to INEC (Costa Rica statistics) data, has remained at just 39% since 2018, according to the IV Report on the Gender Gap in Access to and Use of Financial Products and Services 2026.
In other words, women’s participation in the national banking sector is 15 percentage points above the national average, and it is also one of the areas where men are not in the majority.
From Larepublica.net
Women dominate banking
The study reflects a significant increase in female leadership, and although a gap persists, the trend points toward greater equity in decision-making, representing progress toward substantive equality and breaking the glass ceiling.
Indeed, when considering banking leadership positions (46%) and managerial positions (47%), it is clear that gender equity is just a few steps away.
“The data shows that Costa Rican banks have made significant progress in incorporating and developing female talent. Today, we not only observe greater participation of women within organizations, but also sustained growth in leadership and management positions, which demonstrates greater opportunities for professional development and access to decision-making spaces,” said Daniela Gutiérrez, an economist at the Asociación Bancaria Costarricense (ABC) — Costa Rican Banking Association.
Where a significant gender gap does exist is when considering positions on boards of directors. In this case, women hold only 24% of the positions, according to the report.
To continue making progress, policies are needed to strengthen equality in leadership positions, such as promoting mentorship and sponsorship programs that support women’s professional development, offering ongoing training in inclusive leadership and a gender perspective, and establishing work-life balance measures that facilitate retention in strategic roles.
These and other actions are precisely what BAC is developing to promote female leadership within the organization.
“BAC has a Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Policy, as well as a specific Gender Equality guideline, whose purpose is to promote the economic integration and empowerment of women by generating inclusive opportunities that tangibly contribute to reducing gender gaps, both within and outside the organization,” said Laura Moreno, Vice President of Corporate Relations at BAC.
And ultimately, diversity in management teams is not just an ethical imperative, according to Sujeyny Gamboa, Head of Corporate Relations at Coopecaja.
“Evidence shows that it improves the quality of decisions, broadens market understanding, and strengthens the sustainability of organizations. Our female participation rates support our efforts focused on gender parity,” she concluded.
Maritza Fuentes, Director of Human Resources at the Banco Nacional, said the State bank has been implementing affirmative action measures for gender equity and equality for several years. Currently, the Bank’s Management Team, the highest administrative level for decision-making, is composed of four women, including the General Manager. Furthermore, a woman was recently appointed to the top executive position at one of its subsidiaries.
Jessica Borbón, Director of Corporate Relations at the Banco Popular said the Popular has promoted training initiatives, business support, and financial education, including specialized programs for women, where the bank believes that greater economic autonomy requires not only access to financial products, but also knowledge and tools to make informed decisions throughout life.
Q24N — As one of the host countries for the 2026 World Cup, Mexico has not been immune to problems and protests leading up to the start of the competition, which kicked off in the Mexican capital on June 11.
Various social movements, including teachers, families of some of the more than 130,000 missing persons, and other social causes, have mobilized to protest just days before the World Cup.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) has held several demonstrations in Mexico City in recent days, demanding better working conditions.
The protests resulted in the toppling of soccer player figures that had been placed around the city to celebrate the World Cup, while another demonstration brought traffic to a standstill by playing a soccer match on one of the capital’s main avenues.
Meanwhile, the families of the disappeared have plastered their faces all over the city and painted graffiti demanding answers from authorities, calling Mexico “champion of disappearances.”
Another cause for concern among many Mexican businesses is the threat of potential fines for rebroadcasting World Cup matches without the proper permits.
In Mexico, the Televisa network acquired the broadcasting rights for the World Cup, so businesses must contact the company through its subsidiaries Izzi Negocios or Sky Business to obtain a commercial permit.
The argument is that licenses for platforms and other broadcasting media are private, so showing them to the public in bars and restaurants could result in sanctions from the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI).
“If they want, we’ll leave Mexico so they can have their World Cup,” says one comment from Mexicans on social media, where many assert that this will not be a World Cup for the people.
Q24N — Of the three World Cup hosts, perhaps the most relaxed, secure, and least media-driven is Canada. The northernmost nation on the continent will host 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver, the most notable being two Round of 32 matches and one Quarter-Final.
However, there is a striking absence among the Canadian venues: the city of Montreal. This city is the largest in the province of Quebec and is remembered for hosting the 1976 Olympic Games, among other major events.
According to Radio Canada International (RCI), the country’s main French-speaking city has still not overcome the “trauma” of the enormous debt left by the 1976 Olympics, the cost of which took 30 years to pay off.
These costs have also drawn criticism in Canada, as it has been estimated that hosting two World Cup venues will cost Canadian taxpayers around US$1 billion.
But Montreal didn’t just consider its finances; it also refused to accept the restrictions FIFA would impose on holding other major events of great importance to the city: the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Montreal Triathlon, and the Montreal Francos Festival.
The restrictions FIFA sought included a ban on scheduling any activities at the city’s Olympic Stadium between April 25 and June 19. The World Cup venues also could not be used for any other purpose for 23 months prior to the tournament.
Furthermore, FIFA wanted access to Jean-Drapeau Park and Montreal’s Old Port from May 22 to July 17 of this year to organize events.
For all these reasons, Montreal is not hosting any official matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Q REPORTS — Although the legendary Argentine player Diego Maradona once insisted, when speaking of his own mistakes, that “the ball is not stained,” today it is clear that the world is playing its World Cup in the shadow of war, fear, and anger that exists off the field.
This week, the biggest celebration of the world’s most popular sport began in 16 stadiums across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, this time, with 48 national teams hoping to make their mark on the field and bring some joy to the countries they represent.
In a world always in turmoil, it is rare to say that the World Cup has remained untouched by conflicts between nations and the international politics that are played out daily for purposes far less noble than those that sustain a sport.
It is impossible to forget, then, that while hosting a World Cup, the United States is fueling an armed conflict in Iran, a country that nearly withdrew from the competition (despite being among the top-ranked teams) after bombings on its territory and the deaths of several government leaders.
Before even starting to follow the game’s scores, the world’s attention is focused on the fluctuating prices of oil, directly affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where US military power seems to have reached another impasse.
Under these circumstances, including President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy “an entire civilization,” the Iranian team agreed to remain in the World Cup despite the far from hospitable treatment they received from the US host.
Although the United States, as host of a World Cup, must commit to FIFA to provide the necessary visa assistance to delegations, the entry permits for the Iranian team were only ready last Friday, a week before the tournament began.
Furthermore, the permission to enter the United States comes with the restriction that the Iranian players and the entire delegation must enter and leave the country on the same day as their scheduled match.
Therefore, the Iranian national team will have to travel to Los Angeles to play against New Zealand on June 16 and against Belgium on June 21, while their group stage will conclude in Seattle on June 28 against Egypt.
Given this unprecedented situation in World Cup history, the Iranians will have to travel to and from Tijuana, Mexico, where FIFA authorized them to relocate their training camp after Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host them in her country.
The US State Department told the BBC that it had granted the necessary visas for Iran to participate in the tournament, but added that it would not allow the team to “abuse this system to smuggle terrorists into the US under false pretenses,” according to the British media outlet.
“(Visitors) are at risk of encountering disturbing human rights abuses, particularly those stemming from deadly and abusive US immigration policies,” Amnesty International.
As if the restrictions on the Iranian national team weren’t enough, its fans will also suffer the consequences of Trump’s foreign policy. The Iranian Football Federation denounced FIFA for canceling the 8% quota of tickets to its team’s games, earmarked for Iranian fans, without any explanation as of this writing.
Despite all these problems, which must undoubtedly be a major headache for FIFA, the organization’s president, Gianni Infantino, presented President Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025 for his “extraordinary actions to promote peace.”
No Visa
But the Iranian team wasn’t the only one to suffer due to immigration issues. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team also had to postpone its arrival at the World Cup venue and complete a 21-day quarantine in Belgium before traveling to the United States and Canada, due to an Ebola outbreak in that African country.
However, the restrictions also affected many Congolese fans who dreamed of witnessing their national team’s first World Cup appearance. Despite having purchased tickets, they were denied visas, according to several international media outlets.
An analysis by the BBC World Service determined that a quarter of the countries participating in this World Cup in North America face travel bans or significant obstacles to obtaining entry permits.
Countries such as Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast have visa bans and restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, making it a real ordeal for citizens of these countries to travel to this World Cup.
But perhaps the most striking case is that of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who, despite traveling with a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, was rejected by US authorities at Miami International Airport and deported to Turkey.
Abdulkadir Artan was set to become his country’s first representative at a FIFA World Cup, but, according to international media, US immigration authorities cited security screening concerns. FIFA responded that it has no control over the immigration decisions of host countries.
Low Expectations and High Prices
Immigration restrictions and Trump’s policies have not gone unnoticed by the global tourism industry, and just days before the World Cup began, it was revealed that the number of visitors to the United States had fallen significantly.
According to data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office released on May 26, the number of visitors to the US fell by 5.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
This means that 4 million fewer people visited the US, and total tourist spending dropped by UA$8 billion. The World Cup has not escaped this reality.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) published a report in which 80% of hoteliers stated that World Cup bookings were below initial projections, and 60% of them cited both immigration restrictions and geopolitical conflicts as the cause of this decline.
Cities like Kansas City are reporting up to 90% fewer bookings than expected, while in San Francisco, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Boston, bookings have fallen 70% short of expectations.
Another factor criticized at this World Cup is the high price of tickets to matches, which, according to The Economist, start at an average of US$200 for the group stage, double the price for Qatar 2022.
From then on, prices climb to over US$500, and on some resale sites, tickets for the World Cup final were offered for over US$2 million.
This prompted the attorneys general of New York and New Jersey to announce in late May, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the opening of an investigation into FIFA’s ticketing practices for the World Cup.
The attorneys general of both states are requesting information from FIFA regarding ticket sales, particularly for the eight matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, near New York, including the final on July 19.
Attorneys general in California and Texas have also announced investigations into this matter.
Fears over ICE
Another source of fear for those planning to visit the U.S. during this World Cup has been the aggressive deportation policy and the interventions in various states by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE.
Amnesty International issued a report earlier this year warning that fans attending this World Cup “risk encountering disturbing human rights abuses, particularly those stemming from deadly and abusive U.S. immigration policies.”
Amnesty International also noted that “severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful protest threaten the ‘safe, welcoming, and inclusive’ tournament promised by FIFA.”
“Under President Trump, the United States—where three-quarters of the World Cup matches are being played—is facing a human rights emergency characterized by discriminatory immigration policies and arbitrary mass detentions carried out by masked and armed agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies,” the organization said in a statement.
“The US government has deported more than 500,000 people from the United States by 2025. This figure is more than six times the number of people who will attend the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey,” said Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s Director of Economic and Social Justice.
Despite assurances from ICE Director Tom Homan that operations would focus on World Cup security rather than raids, media outlets targeting the Latino community in the United States, such as Univision, report that fear persists among migrants in locations like Los Angeles and Florida.
Q COSTARICA — World Cup fans in Costa Rica will have free and paid options to follow all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, can be followed in Costa Rica on free-to-air television, cable, digital apps, and radio, depending on the type of coverage each viewer prefers.
To watch the entire World Cup 2026 in Costa Rica, you will need a paid subscription to Tigo Sports or the streaming platform TDMAX (the Teletica app in partnership with FOX+), which broadcasts all 104 matches.
The approximate cost of TDMAX is around ¢5,500 per month, equivalent to about $11. This alternative is emerging as one of the most economical options for those who do not wish to subscribe to a traditional cable television package.
Telecable customers can also watch the tournament through T-Play, provided they have an active plan with the operator. This platform allows viewers to watch the programming on digital television or mobile devices.
On cable television, prices will depend on the provider and the package subscribed to. As a reference, plans with World Cup coverage can start at around ¢21,250 on Kölbi TV Digital, ¢21,515 on Tigo, ¢25,990 on Telecable, and ¢33,995 on Metrocom.
For free viewing, Teletica Canal 7 is broadcasting 32 selected matches, including the opening game, key stages, and the final.
Local radio stations like Teletica Radio 91.5 FM, Columbia 98.7 FM, and Monumental 93.5 FM will provide continuous play-by-play broadcasts.
Q COSTARICA — Starting Thursday and for just over a month, workers around the world will be more distracted than usual thanks to the FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Like the rest of the soccer-mad world, Costa Rica will be no exception, and although the national team won’t be participating, it’s clear that productivity is at risk of taking a significant hit in the coming weeks.
That’s why several human resources experts are offering specific recommendations so that workers can enjoy the football festivities without neglecting their duties.
At the same time, legal experts warn that the World Cup can also lead to dismissals without employer liability, especially in cases of unjustified absences, tardiness, misuse of electronic devices, and abandonment of work.
In these cases, these are cumulative actions that can lead the company to take action and even demand accountability for absences due to illness or injury.
In any case, a more flexible approach could yield positive results for both parties.
“It’s better to manage the World Cup proactively and strategically than to try to prohibit it. Ultimately, employees will always try to watch the matches somehow, potentially leading to unauthorized viewing or a significant and direct impact on their work rhythm,” said Amanda Arias Hernández, Master in Human Talent Management, university professor, and consultant at 360 Actualización.
The specialist emphasizes that the World Cup can become an excellent opportunity to maintain productivity while fostering a different, more participatory, and motivating work environment.
Companies can leverage this context to strengthen employee integration, sense of belonging, and commitment, “provided there are clear rules and a balance between flexibility and meeting work objectives,” she added.
Offering flexibility bonuses for employees who adequately fulfill their assigned tasks, leveraging the World Cup as a motivational factor through internal activities such as pools, contests, trivia, rallies, prize draws, and other events, as well as considering temporary adjustments to work schedules or breaks within a “valid and realistic” framework, are some of the recommendations.
Meanwhile, Doris Peters, president of DPA, a human resources management company, emphasized the importance of establishing clear rules on this matter, as productivity cannot be allowed to decline.
In this regard, the specialist pointed out that Costa Rica’s absence from the World Cup will likely result in less enthusiasm compared to the past; however, she acknowledged that “there are always fans.”
“Productivity cannot decrease. Special leave or vacation days can be granted to those who request them,” she added.
Furthermore, Peters outlined other strategies to allow employees who enjoy soccer to fulfill their duties while staying informed about the World Cup.
“There are several things that can be done. For example, games can be recorded and shown during lunch breaks, at least the summaries. Using creativity, results can be displayed on a screen or whiteboard. Shifts can also be changed when feasible, or the workday can be made more flexible in some way, depending on the industry and position,” the expert added.
Finally, in cases where an employee is more distracted than usual, it’s best for them to request vacation or unpaid leave.
2014 World Cup. Twelve years ago, back in 2014, managed by Jorge Luis Pinto, Costa Rica achieved its best-ever World Cup result, officially ranking 8th in the world.
That tournament saw Costa Rica shock everyone by topping Group D with these results:
A 3-1 win over Uruguay
A 1-0 victory against Italy
A goalless draw with England
The “Sele,” Costa Rica’s national team, then advanced to the round of 16, where they faced Greece. Despite being down to 10 players, Costa Rica held Greece to a 1-1 draw, pushed the game into extra time, and then triumphed 5-3 in a gripping penalty shootout, thanks to a crucial save by goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
In the quarter-finals, they battled the Netherlands for 120 intense minutes. The match ended 0-0, but Costa Rica’s run came to an end after a heartbreaking 4-3 loss in the penalty shootout.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rican President Laura Fernández launched harsh criticism against the judiciary during her weekly press conference on Wednesday, expressing her concern over the recent release of dangerous criminals and the lack of effective punishments for those who commit serious crimes in the country.
In her remarks, Fernández referred to the case of three members of the criminal gang “Los Marujas” in Cartago, who, despite having been arrested by the Organismo de Investigacíon Judicial (OIJ) with hundreds of doses of drugs, weapons, and criminal records, were released by Judge Ana Laura García Delgado.
“With how difficult it is to catch them, how difficult it is to get them sentenced, and then they have the audacity to let them go free!” Fernández emphasized that this gang has been operating in the province for over twenty years, responsible for dozens of violent incidents.
The president also highlighted the national concern regarding impunity for crimes committed in prisons.
She mentioned that although introducing cell phones into prisons is a punishable offense, the Attorney General’s Office has opted to impose administrative sanctions, which, according to Fernández, send the wrong message to society and encourage the continuation of criminal practices from within prisons.
Laura Fernández directly addressed the highest authorities of the Judiciary: “Ms. Patricia Solano (president of the Court), you are failing this country. Mr. Rolando Aguirre, the president of the Judiciary, you are failing Costa Rica, and I have to tell you this because I am the elected representative of the people. Both of you should seriously consider stepping aside, give the position to someone with fresh blood who can take the reins of the Judiciary.”
The president emphasized that this is not a personal attack, but rather a warning about a situation she considers serious for public safety.
Fernández demanded answers regarding the reasons behind the release of criminals and questioned whether judges are acting under pressure, threats, or corruption.
“This nation deserves for the Judiciary to tell us if the judges who are releasing criminals are doing so because they were bribed, because they were threatened, or both. It’s unacceptable that they’re released day after day and no one gives this country an answer, because your salaries and mine are also paid by the people of Costa Rica,” she stated during the conference.
The president made a strong appeal to the Legislative Assembly controlled by the ruling party to exercise its political oversight function: “I call on the Legislative Assembly, which is responsible for exercising parliamentary political control over the supreme powers. They should already be holding the president of the Judiciary, Magistrate Solano, and these prosecutors accountable, as they are constantly releasing high-profile criminals in the country,” she stated during her weekly press conference.
Fernández concluded her remarks by reiterating the need for the country to act decisively: “We still have time to prevent Costa Rica from falling off a cliff.”
Her appeal seeks to ensure that the various institutions assume the responsibility of guaranteeing justice and security for citizens amidst a crisis that has generated widespread public alarm.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica President Laura Fernández announced that the government will present a bill on Monday requiring inmates to work.
The initiative is part of a package of proposals on citizen security that will be announced next Monday.
Previously, during a televised address, the government announced that Gerald Campos, Minister of Security, and other high-ranking officials traveled to El Salvador to learn about the work model in that country, where prisoners are responsible for making uniforms and boots for the police, as well as desks for schoolchildren.
There are multiple initiatives in the legislative process aimed at regulating and requiring work or educational activities in prisons, although they face significant legal challenges:
Bill 24.612 (Social Adaptation Model): Proposes reforming the General Directorate of Social Adaptation so that the prison population must study, work, or combine both activities on a mandatory basis to access prison benefits.
Bill 24.614 (Support and Maintenance): Proposes that inmates generate income to cover their debts, child support payments, personal expenses, and 40% of their own prison stay, thus reducing public spending financed by taxpayers.
Authorized Work: Legislative committees have approved reforms that allow inmates to perform internal prison construction work and manufacture security equipment.
Despite the government’s political support, the bills have lost momentum and face likely shelving in the Legislative Assembly due to significant constitutional concerns, such as violation of international treaties and lack of a salary structure.
For example, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 29 on forced labour, which dates from 1930, “states that it is an obligation to abolish the employment of forced or compulsory labour in all its forms,” which it defines as “all work or service exacted from any individual under the menace of any penalty and for which the said individual has not offered himself voluntarily.”
In addition, the Constitutional Court in 1996 determined that work in penitentiary centers “has a rehabilitative purpose” and that “it should tend to resemble as closely as possible the work that people do in freedom.”
Among the other proposals expected on Monday is a plan to bring owners of land with clandestine airstrips to justice, as well as harsher penalties for criminal networks.
Turistas recorren las calles el 6 de mayo de 2023, en La Habana (Cuba).EFE/ Ernesto Mastrascusa
Q24N (EFE) The U.S. ended last Friday, June 5, 2026, the grace period granted to foreign companies with a presence in Cuba to sever ties with the island before facing reprisals from Washington.
This measure is part of the ongoing pressure on Havana, which targeted its leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and the son of Raúl Castro, Alejandro Castro Espín, with further sanctions.
U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on May 1 against foreign entities operating in vital sectors such as energy, defense, mining, and financial services in the Caribbean nation, after which his administration set a June 5 deadline for these entities to dissolve their ties.
In this latest escalation of the campaign to cripple a Cuba already in crisis, Trump warned those who maintain business relationships with the Cuban government and its military-run conglomerate, GAESA—sanctioned by Washington—that they risk having their assets frozen in the United States.
The measure also includes economic sanctions and a ban on entry to the United States for foreign nationals who have worked or currently work for Cuban government entities, are involved in human rights violations, or are involved in acts of corruption.
From the island, these actions have been labeled “illegal and abusive.” They come on top of the oil embargo imposed by the Republican administration after the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the criminal charges against Cuban leader Raúl Castro for the downing of Cuban-American exile planes in 1996.
One day before the sanctions on entities were set to expire, the Treasury Department imposed financial sanctions on Thursday on President Díaz-Canel, several of his relatives, one of Castro’s sons, as well as the Cuban Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR).
The first to break with Havana
US pressure on Cuba has already triggered an exodus of international companies with decades of presence on the island.
The first to leave the country were a number of airlines that, in addition to the drop in demand due to geopolitical uncertainty, had to contend with a lack of jet fuel at Cuban airports because of the US oil embargo.
Since February, the four Canadian and two Russian airlines that served Cuba, heavily dependent on tourism, have suspended their routes to the island. They were later joined by major carriers such as Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Iberia.
Shortly afterward, the two main shipping companies operating in Cuba, the French CMA CGM and the German Hapag-Lloyd, announced they were ceasing to accept new bookings for shipments to or from the island.
Moves to avoid reprisals
Just days after Trump signed his new executive order, the Canadian mining company Sherritt, with the largest foreign investment on the island, immediately suspended its direct involvement in nickel and cobalt mining.
With the deadline for severing ties with Cuba about to expire, the four largest foreign hotel chains in the country made their move. The Spanish chains Meliá and Iberostar ceased operations at all properties owned by the Cuban military, while the Canadian chain Blue Diamond and the Indonesian chain Archipelago completely shut down their operations on the island.
The latest move to avoid sanctions came from a bank, whose name has not been released, which was the only one managing Visa and Mastercard payment platform transactions with Cuba, thus closing off a crucial revenue stream in the Caribbean nation.
Escalation of a long-standing tension
Although the sanctions are focused on foreign entities operating in Cuba, both individually and in joint ventures with the Cuban government, in the energy, defense, finance, mining, and security sectors, the ambiguous language of the order opens the door to sanctions against companies with no physical presence on the island.
Experts highlight its deterrent purpose against those who have interacted or may interact with the Cuban government, amidst the escalating antagonistic rhetoric between two bitter enemies who, after the brief period of rapprochement between 2014 and 2017, have intensified their mutual attacks, at least publicly.
Washington and Havana have established diplomatic, military, and intelligence contacts, about which few details have been made public.
Trump has threatened to seize control of the island one way or another, although he has also stated that they are willing to engage in dialogue with a Cuba on the verge of collapse.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged this week that a change in leadership in the country is necessary for the profound transformations demanded by the US to be implemented, something the Cuban government rejects, warning that it will not negotiate its sovereignty.
Q COSTARICA — The election of Costa Rican diplomat Lina Ajoy as the new Secretary General of the Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana (SICA)—Central American Integration System , represents another setback for the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, which for months claimed the position as a supposed “right” of Nicaragua and even warned of possible consequences if its candidates continued to be rejected.
The decision is particularly significant for Nicaragua because it comes after an escalation of tensions between Nicaragua and several countries in the region over control of the SICA General Secretariat, a key body for Central American integration.
In recent weeks, the Ortega-Murillo regime went so far as to denounce an alleged “illegal blockade” against Nicaragua and increased political pressure on the region’s governments to support its candidates.
The regime’s threats even fueled speculation about Nicaragua’s potential withdrawal from the regional body, a possibility that would further isolate a government already facing accusations of human rights violations, international sanctions, and deteriorating relations with various democratic countries.
On Wednesday, Costa Rican diplomat Lina Ajoy was elected for the 2026-2030 term starting on August 9 2026, during an extraordinary virtual meeting of SICA heads of state and government, ending a prolonged vacancy that had persisted since November 2023, when Nicaraguan Werner Vargas, who held the position for the 2022-2026 term, resigned.
A blow to Ortega and Murillo’s aspirations
The election represents a diplomatic defeat for the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, which for months insisted that the SICA General Secretariat should remain in Nicaragua’s hands.
On May 26, the Nicaraguan government publicly claimed its supposed “right” to occupy the position and recalled that it had submitted three different lists, made up of nine candidates, to assume the leadership of the organization.
However, none of the proposals achieved consensus among the member countries.
At that time, Managua accused the other governments of maintaining an “unjustified, unjustifiable, illegal, and illegitimate blockade” against Nicaragua.
The selection of a candidate backed by Costa Rica also comes amid particularly strained relations between Costa Rica and Nicaragua.
In recent months, both governments have exchanged criticisms regarding regional leadership, democracy, and compliance with commitments made within the SICA.
Although the regime has not officially announced a withdrawal from SICA, several analysts believe that the growing confrontation with other member states could lead Managua to further harden its stance toward the organization.
A potential withdrawal would represent a new episode of isolation for Nicaragua, which in recent years has also withdrawn from various international mechanisms or severed relations with organizations and countries that question its record on human rights and democracy.
Q COSTARICA — Ambassador Lina Eugenia Ajoy Rojas was elected as the first Costa Rican and the second woman in history to assume the General Secretariat of the Central American Integration System (SICA), marking a precedent in the history of regional integration.
Ajoy’s appointment was ratified during an extraordinary meeting of heads of state and government, in which representatives from all member countries of the organization participated.
The appointment follows a selection process in which the Government of Costa Rica presented a shortlist of three professionals who met the requirements agreed upon by the member states.
Lina Ajoy’s term will begin on August 9, 2026, and will extend until 2030. She will lead an institution that promotes political, economic, social, and cultural integration among the countries of Central America. The organization’s main objective is to strengthen cooperation and sustainable development in the region, facilitating joint agreements and common policies in areas such as security, trade, the environment, and human rights.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated Ajoy on the appointment and reaffirmed its confidence that the new Secretary General will ensure effective and transparent management aligned with the priorities of the regional agenda. According to the ministry, “it is believed that Ajoy’s leadership will strengthen the system’s capacity to respond to the challenges shared by the region.”
Lina Ajoy has 27 years of experience in the Costa Rican Diplomatic Service. She is a career ambassador, lawyer, and notary, and has training in mediation and cooperation. She is also fluent in English and Italian, which allows her to interact in high-level international settings.
Among her most recent experiences, she served as ambassador to El Salvador, where she also represented Costa Rica before the SICA, and to Belize. She has also held diplomatic posts in Canada and Nicaragua.
The appointment was ratified on Wednesday during a virtual session attended by Costa Rica’s First Vice President, Francisco Gamboa; Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo; Honduras’ President Nasry Asfura; and the president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader. Also present were El Salvador’s Vice President, Felix Ulloa; Nicaragua’s Co-Ministers Denis Moncada and Valdrack Jaentschke; and the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Belize, Amalia Mai, and Panama, Carlos Hoyos.
The Central American Integration System, founded in 1991, has as its fundamental mission to consolidate regional integration in order to achieve peace, freedom, democracy, and development. The organization comprises eight member states: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Its main functions include fostering policy harmonization, facilitating intraregional trade, promoting democratic security, and encouraging technical and financial cooperation among member countries.
The appointment of Lina Ajoy as Secretary General of SICA represents a milestone for Costa Rican and regional diplomacy.
The support of the Heads of State and Government demonstrates the importance that member countries place on the continuity and strengthening of the Central American integration process.
The cycle that now begins will be marked by the challenges arising from the region’s political, economic, and social context, as well as by expectations surrounding management focused on efficiency, transparency, and cooperation.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s Policia de Fronteras (Border Police) seized a shipment of allegedly smuggled World Cup postcards valued at nearly 11 million colones (US$23,900) in Golfito, Southern Zone of Costa Rica.
The operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect the national economy, according to police authorities.
The seizure occurred when officers stationed at the Kilometer 35 checkpoint in Guaycará, Golfito, intercepted a vehicle coming from the border with Panama. The car was driven by a man surnamed Granados, who was transporting a total of 161 boxes of World Cup postcards.
When asked for documentation to prove the purchase and legality of the merchandise, the driver stated he had no proof of payment of the corresponding taxes, raising suspicions about the origin and transit of the goods.
Given the lack of the legally required documentation, the Border Police coordinated with the Policía de Control Fiscal (PCD) —Tax Control Police, who arrived at the scene. Tax officials seized the 161 boxes of postcards. Authorities emphasized that the seizure of these types of products aims to prevent tax evasion, protect state revenue, and safeguard legitimate businesses from the unfair competition generated by smuggling.
The seized merchandise consists of products of high commercial interest, particularly due to their connection to the World Cup, an event that generates significant demand among collectors and fans.
Authorities reiterated that product smuggling, in addition to affecting tax revenue, can pose a risk to consumers, who often purchase merchandise without guarantees or legal backing.
As for the driver, the case has been turned over to the appropriate authorities, who will determine the administrative and legal sanctions in accordance with Costa Rican law. The Border Police, for their part, called on citizens to report any suspicious activity that may be linked to smuggling or the sale of products without legal documentation.
The seizure of the World Cup postcards highlights the challenges authorities face in combating illegal trade and tax evasion in border areas, especially in the Southern Zone of the country.
Q COSTARICA — The operator of Juan Santamaría International Airport, or San José airport (SJO), presented its 2025 Sustainability Report, a document that compiles the main advances achieved during the past year in governance, environmental performance, and social development, reaffirming its commitment to responsible management.
During 2025, Costa Rica’s main international airport handled more than 6.4 million passengers, the highest number ever recorded, consolidating its role as the country’s main gateway and a key driver of connectivity, tourism, and economic development in Costa Rica.
In the area of governance, AERIS executed an airport investment of US$28.3 million, of which US$23.1 million corresponded to projects associated with the airport’s Master Plan. Additionally, the operator strengthened its financial performance during 2025 and contributed more than US$62 million to the Costa Rican government.
“At AERIS, we understand sustainability as a way of managing the airport responsibly, generating value for people, communities, the country, and future generations. Each advance we present in this report reflects a long-term vision that seeks to strengthen connectivity, competitiveness, and the sustainable development of Costa Rica,” stated Ricardo Hernández, CEO of AERIS.
The results achieved in 2025 were also reflected in the international recognition received by Juan Santamaría International Airport, which for the second consecutive year won the award for Best Airport in Latin America and the Caribbean in the 5 to 15 million passenger category, as well as Level 5 Accreditation in Customer Experience from the Airports Council International (ACI), the highest distinction in passenger experience.
With the publication of this report, AERIS reaffirms its commitment to continue strengthening transparent, innovative and sustainable airport management, aimed at generating value for Costa Rica and for all actors that are part of the airport ecosystem.
Q COSTARICA — Sarton Group, the IKEA brand’s franchisee for Costa Rica, is advancing in talent acquisition and a phased entry model in which remote sales will be the first point of contact with Costa Rican households.
IKEA, one of the world’s leading brands in furniture and home furnishings, continues to expand in Costa Rica.
Talent acquisition is central to this stage. The addition of new talent is an essential step in building a strong, diverse organization aligned with IKEA’s values, with capabilities that will support the project’s development in areas such as logistics, sales, customer service, communications, interior design, operations, IT, and human resources.
Those interested in learning about the professional opportunities that will be available and finding out more about working with IKEA in Costa Rica can visit www.ikea.cr, where they will find all the information about the application process and how to apply.
The website will also be a great place to learn more about the brand, discover its home furnishings offerings, and explore inspirational content designed to bring IKEA closer to people throughout Costa Rica.
Tony Tavira, Retail Manager of Sarton Group, stated:
“Costa Rica represents a very important market in our development in the region, and we want to contribute to creating a better everyday life for most people. To achieve this, it will be essential to have teams that share our vision and help bring the IKEA brand to life in this new market.
That’s why, at this stage, talent acquisition is central. We are building a long-term project, and it will be our future employees who make IKEA’s arrival possible and bring our offering to Costa Rican homes. At the same time, we continue to move forward to more clearly demonstrate how the brand will develop, with the ambition of building an accessible, relevant, and lasting presence for most people.”
The arrival of the IKEA brand in Costa Rica is being built progressively, through an omnichannel model designed to make accessing the brand clear, convenient, and easy for customers. The IKEA website and e-commerce platform will be the first point of contact with IKEA, allowing customers to discover the product range, explore a selection of the assortment, and purchase online before future physical touchpoints complete the brand experience.
This model will combine digital convenience, service, and an increasingly comprehensive customer experience. IKEA is also preparing to serve customers nationwide, reinforcing its ambition to reach a growing number of homes in Costa Rica.
IKEA is also gaining increasing visibility in Costa Rica, allowing more people to learn about the brand, its purpose, and its vision for home living. The brand will arrive with well-designed, functional, and affordable solutions, in an experience that seeks to combine inspiration, accessibility, trust, and service.
In this context, Dennis Balslev, Retail Concept Manager of Inter IKEA Group, stated:
“Welcoming Costa Rica and Panama to the IKEA family marks an important milestone in our commitment to making affordable, functional, and well-designed home furnishings solutions accessible to more people in the Americas. Together with our retail partner, Sarton Group, we are demonstrating our commitment to convenience and innovation by allowing customers to explore and purchase a selection of our assortment online before our physical stores open. We look forward to building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners to create a better everyday life at home for more people in Costa Rica and Panama.”
This is the first step in a gradual process to expand IKEA’s presence in the country.
Q COSTARICA — Air connectivity between New York and Guanacaste takes another step forward with the addition of a Delta Airlines route.
Guanacaste Airport, in Liberia (LIR), a member of the VINCI Airports network, and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) announced the new service to begin on December 19 and will run until April 10, 2027.
The service will operate weekly on Saturdays using an Airbus A321neo with a capacity of 194 passengers.
“Without a doubt, this is further proof of how strong Costa Rica is as a destination in the plans of airlines, and the confidence they have in our country at a time when every move in the aviation sector is being analyzed based on its profitability,” said Marcos Borges, President of the ICT.
New York City joins the direct routes already operated by Delta, which include Atlanta, Boston, Minneapolis, and Detroit, further strengthening its presence in the destination.
“We are pleased to announce this new service, which expands travel options for visitors from the New York metropolitan area, solidifying its position as the origin with the largest number of direct flights to Guanacaste Airport,” stated César Jaramillo, General Manager of Guanacaste Airport.
He added that this route strengthens the airport’s role as a tourist gateway.
“This reinforces our position as a strategic entry point for international tourism from a key market, thus contributing to the tourism and economic development of the Guanacaste region,” he concluded.
Q COSTARICA — To protect jobs and enable more businesses to thrive, the Consejo de Promoción de la Competitividad (CPC) — Competitiveness Promotion Council, on Monday, during the I Summit Nacional de Competitividad (1st National Competitiveness Summit), proposed a gradual reduction of social security contributions.
These contributions specifically address social security obligations unrelated to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), which currently increases the cost of formal employment by 7.25 percentage points.
This means Costa Rican businesses pay twice the rate required by OECD countries.
“Costa Rica maintains one of the highest employer contribution structures in the region. Currently, employer contributions amount to 26.83% of gross salary, a percentage that directly impacts the cost of formal employment and is among the factors companies consider when investing, expanding, or creating new jobs,” the CPCl stated.
These are social security contributions that currently fund the Fondo de Desarrollo Social y Asignaciones Familiares (FODESAF) —Social Development and Family Allowances Fund, the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) — National Learning Institute, the Instituto Mixto de Ayuda Social (IMAS) — Joint Institute for Social Assistance, and the Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Comunal — the Banco Popular.
The idea is to gradually transfer this contribution to the State.
“The cost of formalizing employment determines how many people are included or excluded from social protection. Reducing this cost doesn’t represent a benefit for companies, but rather the most direct way for more people—especially women and young people—to access formal, protected, and quality employment, without weakening the funding of social programs,” explained Rodrigo Cubero, former president of the Central Bank of Costa Rica and coordinator of the working group on employer contributions at the CPC.
Given this situation, the Competitiveness Promotion Council has proposed the following alternatives:
Immediate universal reduction: Reduce the 7.25 percentage point contribution for all companies starting in the first year of implementation.
Universal phase-in reduction: Reduce the 7.25 percentage point rate for all businesses gradually over a five-year period.
Immediate phase-out reduction: Reduce the 7.25 percentage point rate for micro and small businesses, and apply smaller reductions to medium and large businesses.
Phase-out reduction: The reduction would be greater for smaller businesses and would be applied gradually over a five-year period.
The CPC indicated that the proposal also explores options for fiscally offsetting any potential reduction in these costs, with the goal of not underfunding social programs.
Cubero noted that reducing the cost of formalization could expand access to sheltered employment.
Q COSTARICA — San José will once again be the meeting point for the Pride March, an event that will bring together the LGBTI+ community and allies under the slogan “Pride Remains.”
The march will take place on Sunday, June 28, starting at noon, beginning at the León Cortés Statue on the west side and conclude in the heart of the city, at Plaza de la Democracia, where the closing ceremony will be held.
The event will combine culture, entrepreneurship, and community participation in a route through the main streets of the capital.
In addition, the closing ceremony will feature performances by national artists such as David Nick and Jecsinior Jara, as well as several DJs.
As part of the month’s events, the Pride Fair will be held on June 26 and 27 at the Instituto de México in Los Yoses, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The fair will bring together community businesses and partners, as well as food stalls, bingo, and various recreational activities for attendees.
The program will also include artistic performances on both days.
It’s a space designed for gathering, visibility, and participation from different sectors of the community.
This year’s theme seeks to highlight the memory, enduring presence, and legacy of those who paved the way in the fight for recognition and visibility.
“Pride is memory,” the organization stated, explaining the campaign’s central message.
The group recalled that many people faced rejection, violence, and discrimination when they chose to live authentically and defend their rights.
“Because we exist, we resist, we endure,” the organization declared as part of this year’s call to action.
They also recognized those who came before them when doing so meant risking their jobs, their families, their safety, and, in some cases, their very lives.
“We feel pride for those who are no longer with us, for those who faced rejection, violence, and discrimination, but who never stopped fighting so that today we can occupy spaces with greater freedom, dignity, and hope,” the organization stated.
The event seeks to remind everyone that the struggle continues as long as there are people who need to be seen, heard, or defended, under a message that summarizes the spirit of the gathering: “Pride Remains.”
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s President, Laura Fernández, proposed that the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS)—Costa Rican Social Security System—explicitly include “sport” or “exercise” in medical prescriptions, with the goal of strengthening disease prevention and improving the population’s quality of life.
“I am very interested in the CCSS including sports as a prescription in the medical prescriptions they give to patients. Sports not only improve mental health, but also improve coronary heart disease and the degenerative diseases that are causing so much harm to our country,” the president stated.
At the moment, the mechanism to be used is unclear, since doctors currently always encourage patients to be active and exercise.
The proposal was announced during an official visit to the High-Performance Center (CAR) of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, where Fernández learned about the sports training and development programs promoted by the soccer club.
Highlighting the systemic barriers to exercise, the President has pointed out that many Costa Ricans lack the time due to long commutes and heavy workloads. Consequently, she noted that to truly make this work, it may require workplace accommodations that allow employees time during the day to exercise.
The goal is to promote more active lifestyles and combat cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various mental health disorders.
Several international studies have indicated that regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, improve cardiovascular health, and alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
