RICO’s Q — Former President Rodrigo Chaves had “a slip of the tongue” during a meeting held Tuesday morning at the Casa Presidencial with Frente Amplio faction leader, legislator José María Villalta.
Chaves participated in the meeting because he serves as both Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance in Laura Fernández’s administration.
“We had Minister Chaves there, and he had a slip of the tongue because he addressed Ms. Laura as ‘Madam Minister.’ It was later clarified that he meant ‘President’, and fortunately, the meeting with whom we spoke and interacted was with the President,” Villalta said.
It is important to remember that Fernández served as Minister of Planning and Economic Policy from the beginning of the former president’s administration. Furthermore, she served as Minister of the Presidency on two separate occasions: first from June 2024 to January 2025, and then again from February 4th of this year until May 7th. The following day, she officially assumed the Presidency for the next four years.
Freudian slip?
Was it just that, a slip of the tongue, having worked together in a ‘reverse’ role for some time or something more sinister, a Freudian slip, if you will, slip-ups that are never random accidents, but rather windows into our unconscious mind, revealing hidden desires, repressed thoughts, or internal conflicts
Coined by the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, this concept suggests that the conscious mind usually represses certain urges or feelings.
Freudian slips are best known as “slips of the tongue,” but they actually show up in three key forms: forgetting things unexpectedly, doing something by mistake, and messing up speech—like saying the wrong word because your unconscious mind is sneaking in what it’s really thinking.
You can likely think of plenty of instances where someone accidentally reveals what they really think, such as referring to someone by the wrong title.
The idea that President Laura Fernández is just a “puppet” controlled by the former president is a common critique in Costa Rican politics.
Fernández backed up these claims by naming Chaves to a “Super Minister” role (Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance) right after she took office. Critics say this muddied the waters between administrations since Chaves stayed firmly planted in a top executive role.
Q COSTARICA — The path was outlined by Rodrigo Chaves when he was still president: they took Zapote (Casa Presidencial), they took the Legislative Assembly, and now they will try to find the votes to seize the last bastion of resistance: the Judiciary.
And although Chaves disguised it as a holy crusade to “cleanse the last bastion of the corrupt elites” so that the people could “recover this power,” in practice, it represents an offensive to consolidate totalitarian authority by conquering the last bastion of the separation of powers, the defense of the rule of law, and the limit on the power of the government.
This offensive revealed a new line of discourse after President Laura Fernández’s meeting with Supreme Court authorities on Monday, May 18, in which she requested “an agreement to depoliticize and stop the political persecution by the Judiciary against officials of this government.”
The march to pressure for the resignation of Attorney General Carlo Díaz was unprecedented: the president, ministers, and members of parliament participated, attempting to influence a decision in another branch of government. (Photo: Vinicio Chacón)
This falls within the standard tactics of Chavismo: questioning the judiciary, attacking it to weaken it, and subsequently trying to dismantle any act of institutional resistance, presenting it as a political attack.
But this is Fernández’s first step in maintaining the siege, which includes seeking reforms in a Legislative Assembly where the ruling Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) holds a majority.
“This follows a trajectory similar to totalitarian governments, whose most important objective is, literally, to seize control of the judiciary. It is the ultimate goal, because it not only means control over criminal investigations, but also who can be arbitrarily subjected to the force of the state,” stated Rotsay Rosales, coordinator of the Observatorio de la Política Nacional—National Politics Observatory.
Rosales also emphasized that the Judiciary is responsible for upholding the rule of law by ensuring compliance with laws and the principles of separation of powers. “It is the pillar of that balance, and that is why it is uncomfortable. In a republic governed by the rule of law like Costa Rica, the Judiciary is what guarantees balance; it is the last bastion of the rule of law,” he stressed.
Gustavo Chan, director of the Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas y catedrático de la UCR—Institute of Legal Research and professor at the University of Costa Rica, echoed this sentiment.
“One of the most important tasks of any society is to consider how to limit power. Therefore, a fundamental principle is that of legality: citizens are allowed to do what is not prohibited, and officials and institutions are only allowed to do what is permitted by enabling regulations. But a weakened Judiciary is incapable of imposing rational limits on anyone exercising power,” he stated.
This is an unprecedented situation, as described by José Manuel Arroyo, former magistrate and former vice president of the Supreme Court.
“In the relationship between governments and the judiciary, there are always tensions, essentially of a budgetary nature. But it had never been framed in terms of a lack of dialogue; it feels like aggression, a direct intervention by one branch of government in another, which had not occurred before,” he recalled.
Polarize, polarize
Rosales emphasized that the Cháves government, and now the Fernández government, are betting on polarization, which includes delegitimizing and weakening the Judiciary. This allows them to later propose a “reform” to make adjustments that will allow them to “conquer” the Judiciary. “It’s no longer just an intention, but a strategy; they are betting on that objective,” he stressed.
It’s not just a power struggle with a branch of government that isn’t aligned with Chavismo and that has blocked the government’s flagship initiatives, but there are also clear attempts to influence its decisions. Arroyo cited Fernández’s statements that there is persecution from judicial circles as an attempt to ignore the rule of law, in which judges have the obligation to investigate. He even warned that there could be manipulation to send the message to their audiences that they are victims, and even to subtly suggest a dangerous attempt to justify impunity for their collaborators.
Chan also considered it “absolutely improper” for a president to attempt to interfere in how judges decide cases. “It is absolutely wrong; not even a magistrate can tell a judge how to rule. This is the foundation of judicial independence,” she stated.
Similarly, the three experts believe it is incorrect for the president to seek to establish criteria for case progress in order to define a budget that—Chan emphasized—was allocated at 6% by the Constitution solely for the fulfillment of jurisdictional functions, not including those that have been added since, such as the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the Public Defender’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Victim and Witness Protection Unit.
A Vaccinated Country?
This opens a door: reforms to the Judiciary, which Fernández has placed at the top of her priorities.
On this point, Chan emphasized that for months there have been calls for reforms to the Legislative Branch, on issues ranging from the election of judges and their almost lifetime tenure, given the difficulty of securing votes in the Legislative Assembly to prevent their reelection. Therefore, improvements must be proposed. “However, I don’t currently see an intention to criticize the Judiciary in order to improve it, but rather to weaken it,” he warned.
This also opens the door to the debate of whether a country like Costa Rica is “vaccinated” against totalitarian excesses and reforms that, instead of modernizing the democratic system and its institutions, weaken it.
On this point, Arroyo considered that the country has shown itself to be “partially vaccinated,” due to the resistance it has maintained against attempts to undermine its institutions. However, he warned that joint efforts will be required, from the opposition in the Legislative Assembly, to remain vigilant for signs of coercion and threats, especially regarding public procurement.
Similarly, Rosales mentioned that he sees “signs of hope” stemming from actions taken by sectors of the opposition and the Judiciary itself, indicating a willingness not to “fall behind” in these processes, particularly in legislative reforms. But he emphasized that, ultimately, “everything will hold as long as the Judiciary continues to guarantee balance.”
Q COSTARICA — Aware that insecurity is the primary concern of Costa Ricans, President Laura Fernández announced that she will personally oversee weekly monitoring of actions against crime and homicides throughout her four-year term.
Fernández ambitiously stated that she will meet every Monday for the next four years with the country’s top security and justice officials, through the creation of a permanent working group, which she named the “Task Force”.
The objective is to evaluate results, define strategies, and monitor operational actions.
“I will meet once a week to ask: What have you done? What are you going to do? How are things progressing? What’s still needed? I will maintain this practice for the full four years to personally oversee and monitor progress in national security,” the president stated.
Fernández explained that the meetings will be held every Monday and will include the participation of the Minister of Security, the Minister of Justice (who oversees the prison system), as well as directors of police forces and specialized units such as the Drug Control Police (PCD), the Intelligence Unit, and the Border Police.
“I also invited Mr. Orlando Aguirre, President of the Supreme Court, and other officials of the Judiciary to join what I have named the Task Force. What is the Task Force? Every Monday during my term as President, I will personally meet with the Minister of Security, the Minister of Justice, and the directors of the PCD, the Intelligence Unit, the Border Police, and all the directors of the Fuerza Publica (national police),” she stated.
The announcement comes amid growing concern about violence and its impact on people uninvolved in criminal disputes. Of the 873 homicides recorded last year, at least 85 were collateral victims, according to data from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), lower than the 93 in 2024 and up from 52 collateral victims recorded in 2023.
These victims died in the crossfire of shootouts or other violent incidents, despite having no connection whatsoever to the criminal activities that triggered the attacks.
This number is the second-highest since 2023—the year after Rodrigo Chaves was elected and when the country started hitting record highs in homicides.
The homicide rate in 2026 could push the year’s total to over 730, more than any year before Rodrigo Chaves’s administration, though it will certainly be the lowest figure since 2023, when a record 906 murders were recorded.
One of the last homicides recorded during Chaves’s administration occurred on May 7 at 2 p.m. on Paseo Colón, when an alleged sicario (hired killer) gunned down a young man and wounded two women, including one who was a passenger on a bus at the time.
The number of homicides recorded up to May 7 (137 days), on the eve of Fernández’s presidential inauguration, was 268, 14% less than the number recorded for the same date in 2025.
If the current pace of two murders a day average keeps up, 2026 could end up with yet another record high in homicides — and, sadly, more innocent victims caught in the crossfire.
Q COSTARICA — The German airline, Lufthansa, has confirmed an increase in flight frequencies between Frankfurt and San José for the 2026-2027 tourist season.
The airline will increase its service from three to five weekly flights, beginning October 25, 2026, and running through March 27, 2027.
The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Germany and Costa Rica during this period.
The airline will also incorporate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin that aims to improve comfort, privacy, and the overall travel experience in all classes of service.
“With this increase in frequencies and the improved service provided by a more modern aircraft, Lufthansa is strengthening its operations,” stated Marcos Borges, Executive President of the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT).
Ricardo Hernández, CEO of AERIS, the operator of the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), noted that the increase reflects the German market’s interest in Costa Rica.
“This expansion is positive news for tourism and connectivity. We will continue working with the government for the country’s economic development,” Hernández stated.
The new Allegris cabin will feature redesigned seats in First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class, prioritizing personalization and privacy for passengers through advanced technology and new interior designs.
“We are delighted to bring our new onboard product, Allegris, to Costa Rica,” said Alejandro Arias, Sales Director for Lufthansa Group Passenger Airlines in Mexico and Central America.
Arias indicated that the experience will offer greater comfort and personalized options for those traveling between San José and Frankfurt (FRA).
Among the new features are sliding doors, reclining beds, 27-inch 4K screens, and individual heating and cooling systems in some seats.
Preliminary data from the ICT indicates that Germany has become the second-largest European source of tourists to Costa Rica by air.
During the first four months of 2026, more than 34,000 German travelers entered the country by air, according to the ICT.
Q COSTARICA — In Costa Rica, police “pasadas”—checks—are a different concept from a criminal case. They do not necessarily equate to a criminal record; the Fiscalia (Public Prosecutor’s Office) clarified that, within the police context, the term “checks” refers to interventions or actions carried out by law enforcement in situations that do not necessarily constitute a crime or infraction.
For example, these may involve incidents related to public intoxication or alcohol consumption, disturbing the peace, or possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use. These “pasadas” are recorded in administrative police logs, but, since they do not always involve criminal acts, not all of these cases are referred to the prosecutor’s office for charges to be filed.
The term gained prominence after President Laura Fernández stated that one of the suspects in the shooting of two police officers in Batán de Limón—an incident in which one of them died—had “29 ‘pasadas’.” This sparked a wave of criticism against the Judiciary, as it was questioned how a person with “so many prior criminal records” could be free, when in reality, the two are completely different situations.
In its review, the Prosecutor’s Office specified that the three suspects, surnamed Menocal, Vílchez, and Mora, have six pending criminal cases and that none of them have a record of homicide. The three men will serve six months of pretrial detention for their alleged involvement in the murder of Gerson Rosales Cascante, a police officer who was shot in the head. They are also linked to the crimes of attempted homicide, criminal conspiracy, and illegal possession of a permitted firearm.
Explanation from a former judge
David Hernández, a former judge, clarified that “pasadas” are usually associated with detentions for the alleged commission of a crime. However, this is not necessarily the case. These are entries made by the police in their digital files and are based on a variety of reasons, which may or may not constitute crimes, such as non-payment of child support, public disturbances, or cases of domestic violence.
Therefore, some entries remain solely within the police system, and the person detained is released. Others reach the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but the evidence is not strong enough to establish probable cause. In these cases, the prosecutor releases the detained person and subsequently requests a dismissal or acquittal due to lack of evidence. Likewise, other cases pass this stage of analysis, and the Prosecutor’s Office requests a trial. In other words, the prosecutor determined that there was sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial.
Hernández emphasized that these entries do not determine whether a person should be convicted. That depends on the conduct covered by criminal law, which includes not only the provisions of the Penal Code, but also many special laws, such as the Forestry Law, the Wildlife Conservation Law, and the Firearms Law, among others.
The former judge believes that, if greater transparency is sought for Costa Ricans, it would be appropriate to indicate how many of these cases remained solely at the police level, which ones reached the Prosecutor’s Office, which ones progressed to the courts, and what the final resolution was in each case.
“It is not the ‘pasadas’ that determine the functioning of the Judiciary in criminal matters or its decisions. It is the criminal act and the evidence, which undergo multiple analyses. This is in keeping with a democratic state, in which the freedom of all citizens is fundamental,” Hernández emphasized.
“Do you see that it’s not so simple to tell the Costa Rican people that he was checked 29 times and then try to convince them that it’s the fault of the Judiciary? Really, be honest, Madam President; don’t lie to Costa Ricans and don’t take advantage of other people’s pain,” the former judge concluded.
Legal cases of the suspects in the murder of a police officer
Menocal is listed as a defendant in a case of aggravated robbery, in which a motion for dismissal was filed on October 31, 2025. The case was processed by the Batán Prosecutor’s Office.
Vílchez is listed as a defendant in two cases of domestic violence against women and one for violation of a protection order. Motions to dismiss the domestic violence cases were filed on June 30, 2025, and October 12, 2023, respectively. Regarding the case for breach of a protection order, dismissal was requested on July 31, 2019. All cases were processed by the Batán Prosecutor’s Office.
For his part, Mora is listed as a defendant in a case for aggravated robbery and drug possession, which has already been opened for trial, as well as in another case for receiving stolen goods, which was dismissed on March 14, 2024.
The Prosecutor’s Office specified that the cases concluded with dismissal or acquittal were resolved in that way because the evidence gathered during the investigation did not allow for an accusation to be supported.
Q24N — Shakira obtained a favorable ruling from Spain’s National Court in her latest case against the Spanish Tax Agency.
The ruling concluded that the artist did not reside in Spain for 183 days during 2011, a requirement used by the tax authorities in the proceedings.
The court stated that “the resulting penalties are unlawful,” according to the ruling issued by the National Court.
The ruling also determined that the companies linked to the singer were legitimate and dismissed any suggestion of sham business practices.
The ruling also orders the repayment of 60 million euros withheld by the Spanish Tax Agency, along with interest and legal costs, the Court finding that the accusation lacked merit.
“This ruling comes after an eight-year ordeal,” stated José Luis Prada, managing partner of Prada Tax Advisors and the artist’s lawyer.
Prada stated that the process represented “an unacceptable ordeal” and emphasized the rigor and independence of the Spanish courts.
“After more than eight years of enduring brutal public scrutiny, the National Court has finally set things right,” Shakira said.
The singer asserted that “there was never any fraud” and affirmed that tax authorities never managed to prove otherwise.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica and Panama have been embroiled in a tariff and phytosanitary dispute since 2019, centered on Panama’s blockade of imports of Costa Rican agricultural products, primarily dairy and meat.
This disagreement escalated last Friday (May 15, 2026) after President Laura Fernández asked Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar to undertake “international actions” to resolve the conflict.
She also made it clear that the Panamanian trade blockade would be a priority for her administration.
What is the reason for this?
The conflict began more than two decades ago, but intensified between 2019 and 2020 when Costa Rica suspended sanitary permits for dozens of Panamanian processing plants, citing phytosanitary non-compliance.
In response, Panama blocked the entry of Costa Rican agricultural products—such as dairy, meat (beef, pork, and chicken), strawberries, pineapples, bananas, and plantains—applying its own requirements and entry barriers.
WTO Ruling
In June 2021, Costa Rica filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), and hearings were held in late 2022.
Panama’s arguments were rejected, and in late 2024, the arbitration panel issued a ruling in favor of Costa Rica. It determined that the restrictions imposed by Panama were unjustified.
According to the WTO ruling, the measures imposed by Panama “are not based on scientific principles and are maintained without sufficient scientific evidence.”
Panama appealed the decision in early 2025, but the panel is currently inactive due to the inability to appoint judges.
As a result, Costa Rica proposed negotiated solutions and arbitration mechanisms, but Panama rejected them.
Consequently, the impact on Costa Rican exports to its neighbor continues.
The tension escalated.
Despite the WTO ruling, trade tensions between the two governments persist, with Panama defending its measures to protect its local producers and arguing that Costa Rica also maintains cumbersome requirements.
During the celebration of Farmers’ Day (Día del Agricultor), celebrated every May 15, since 1968, Fernández asserted that Panama has created an imbalance in Costa Rican exports.
“I know that potato farmers, onion farmers, dairy producers, and others have been affected by the trade blockade. This is an issue that has already gone beyond the negotiation processes of the Foreign Trade (Comex), and I have directly referred it to the Foreign Minister so that he can establish mechanisms for international diplomacy and international action,” Fernández announced.
For its part, the Panamanian government rejected the president’s statements.
The Panamanian Foreign Ministry asserted that a good relationship had been built with the previous administration and that they wish to preserve it. However, it maintained the trade embargo on Costa Rican agricultural exports.
“Panama wishes to preserve and strengthen this relationship of friendship and cooperation. However, Panama categorically rejects any narrative that attempts to portray the current trade dispute as a unilateral or arbitrary action on the part of our country,” the ministry stated.
Furthermore, it rejected the quality standards that Costa Rica requires of its producers.
Supermarkets, suppliers, bakeries, butchers, greengrocers and grocery stores will be able to function normally. Image for illustrative purposes.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s economic growth is not necessarily reflected in household income or consumption.
While the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.7% at the end of 2025, a trend that continued in the first quarter of 2026, with a rate of 4.6%, according to the Monetary Policy Report (MPR) of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) for April, household income is losing momentum and showing differentiated effects among the various categories of employed.
The monetary authority acknowledges that labor income growth has slowed since the second half of 2025.
While real income—which reflects true purchasing power after discounting the effect of inflation—slowed its year-on-year growth by 1% in February 2026, nominal income—the exact amount of money a person receives—fell by 1.7%, a trend that has persisted since December 2025.
Data from the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) shows a reduction in the real income of highly skilled workers, which registered a year-on-year contraction of 7.0% (11.4 percentage points lower than in the same month of 2025).
The income of people with medium and low skill levels grew, although very slightly in the latter case.
The slower income growth compared to 2025 is observed among both public and private sector workers.
However, the difference is greater in the private sector.
Although women’s income grew year-on-year through February 2026, it did so at a slower pace (5.2%). Men’s income fell by 1.9%.
Real incomes have still not reached pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels and are almost 10% lower than those observed in February 2020.
Household Consumption
Although household consumption performed well in the first quarter of 2026, its growth will be lower this year compared to the Central Bank’s January estimates.
This is due to slower growth in real income and increased pressure on people’s purchasing power, associated with rising international fuel and food prices.
“These factors would lead to a moderation of household spending, particularly in the components most sensitive to disposable income,” the Central Bank notes.
Three Reasons
Economist Daniel Ortiz, from the firm Consejeros Económicos (Cefsa), explained that, although the Costa Rican economy is expanding, its growth is increasingly concentrated in specific sectors and is not distributed evenly among households.
“That is why GDP maintains relatively high rates, while real income and consumption for many families are losing momentum,” he stated.
Growth in the Definitive Regime (RD)—which encompasses all businesses, shops, and producers operating within the domestic or traditional economy and outside the free trade zone regime—remains lower than that of the Special Regimes (RE).
Last February, while growth in the RD was 3.8%, growth in the RE reached 6.7%.
Ortiz mentioned that the slowdown in the growth of Costa Ricans’ labor income, observed since the second half of 2025, is also related to two other factors:
In Costa Rica, inflation has been low and even negative, and although this can increase real wages, it does not automatically imply a significant improvement in purchasing power, because the incomes of many households have suffered a sharp decline since the pandemic and have not yet recovered to previous levels.
Many people have left the workforce, which has affected household incomes. The population outside the labor force reached 1,967,142 people in the quarter ending in March 2026, an increase of 117,848 compared to the same period in 2025, according to the Continuous Employment Survey of the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC).
Q COSTARICA — “A prison is not a hotel,” the Minister of Justice, Gabriel Aguilar, told inmates in the high-security wing of the Centro de Atención Institucional (CAI) Terrazas of the La Reforma prison, who continued a hunger strike on Monday, protesting changes to their food rations.
Inmates claim that the quality and quantity of food have decreased in recent days, prompting the protest. Reports indicate that around 2,000 inmates have joined the demonstration.
When questioned by the press, the Minister said that the inmates could continue the strike “for as many days as they wished.”
The change in containers
Among the changes implemented by the Ministry of Justice is the use of plastic containers for serving food, is part of a guideline that indicates that food will be delivered in plastic containers similar to those used in the future High Containment Center for Organized Crime (CACCO), which is still under construction.
The changes are also similar to those used in the mega-prison built in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
The inmates claim that they are being served smaller portions of food in these containers.
According to the NGO, the Asociación Ayudando a los Privados de Libertad—Association Helping the Incarcerated, the Salvadoran government donated more than 5,000 of these containers.
The association added that the inmates feel they are being tortured by the government and the Ministry of Justice, since in the morning they only receive a cup of unsweetened coffee and a soda cracker, while their last meal is given to them at 4:00 p.m.
The Directive
The document circulating and shared by the NGO details that the order was issued by the Nutrition Department and that, starting Wednesday, May 13, specifically in the afternoon, food will begin to be provided to the entire prison population in the new containers.
In addition, the following warnings are listed:
There will be only one cup per inmate.
Inmates must hand over their cup each time the food cart passes by so that they can receive the next portion of food.
If an inmate destroys the cup, a report will be filed against them.
In the case of communal cells, if a cup is destroyed, a report will be filed against all inmates living in that cell.
The protest is now in its fifth consecutive day, raising concerns about the health of the inmates.
RICO’s Q — It’s been a few days since I received the following message on my cellular phone. Mine was from the Dirección General de la Policía de Transito (traffic police). Several friends received, on the same Friday, a similar message, but from the Cosevi (Consejo de Seguridad Vial).
The messages were similar, “You have an outstanding traffic fine. Please pay it immediately.” The fraudulent message included a link to a fake website designed to steal your credit card details or personal information.
These messages received on Friday were cordial, even saying “por favor,” and did not threaten extra fees, plate revocation, or license suspension in any way.
The links look convincing, using look-alike web domains. Remember, all official Costa Rican government websites end in .go.cr
I received this message Friday afternoon (May 15). Several others I know received a similar message from Cosevi.
Protect yourself
Don’t click on any links you get about traffic tickets—whether it’s a text or an email.
Check your vehicle or driver status by going straight to the official COSEVI Public Inquiry Portal yourself.
Block the number, mark it as spam, and keep your info to yourself.
In Costa Rica, traffic tickets are handed directly to the driver at the moment of the violation. You can refuse to sign the ticket, but it still has to be given to you in person right then and there. This means you won’t receive any notices in the mail or through your registered phone number with Cosevi about tickets later on.If you lent your car to a friend or family member and they got a ticket without telling you, you can check for any unpaid traffic fines on your vehicle by visiting the Cosevi website, just like mentioned above.
In Costa Rica, all traffic tickets are issued personally to the driver. You may refuse to sign the ticket, but it has to be delivered personally at the time of the infraction. That is, you won’t get a notice at your registered email or cellular number with the Cosevi about a traffic infraction you committed on such a day, time, and place.
If you loaned your car to a friend or family member and they may have gotten a ticket and never told you, you can (as in 2 above) check for any outstanding traffic tickets against your vehicle at the Cosevi website.
This scam isn’t anything new. It’s been floating around for a while, but for many people—like me—this might be the first time they’ve seen a notice like this.
Q COSTARICA — The Supreme Court of Justice on Monday revoked the appointment of Randall Zúñiga as the director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), after determining that he committed a very serious offense.
“The decision is based on the investigation carried out by the Judicial Inspectorate within disciplinary file No. 25-4302-031-DI, related to the neglect of duties inherent to the position, specifically for damaging the image of the Judiciary and the disclosure of confidential information,” the Judiciary stated in a press release.
Zúñiga had been suspended from his position due to a provisional administrative precautionary measure while facing both a disciplinary and a criminal investigation for alleged sexual offenses and information leaks.
Canal Opa’s news center, following the case leading up to the suspension of the now former director of the OIJ, reported that the alleged victims claimed that Zúñiga shared images and sensitive information about raids and murder cases with them, as well as revealing his contempt for former president Rodrigo Chaves and disclosing the number of agents investigating him, among other possible shortcomings in his administration.
Zúñiga had been on leave with pay since October of last year; that is, for seven months. After the expiration of the first suspension of three and a half months, the Court extended the measure on February 9, 2026, for an additional period of three months, which expired today, May 19.
Zúñiga has categorically rejected all the accusations and claims to be the victim of a political attack and digital manipulation aimed at damaging his reputation.
At the moment, Zúñiga’s employment status is unknown, but he will likely return to an investigator position, since proceeding with a dismissal requires a lengthy bureaucratic process.
Q COSTARICA — Gone are the days when then-President Rodrigo Chaves declared his mission in power would end on May 8, 2026, and that he would retire with the satisfaction of having awakened the people.
He said he wouldn’t endorse anyone, but that people should carefully consider their choice to continue the transformation of a Costa Rica brought to its knees by the parties that had governed or legislated with individuals clinging to positions of power.
Well, Chaves didn’t retire. Nor anything of the sort. He remains in power as the driving force behind the movement that allowed Laura Fernández to assume the presidency.
She is the face of a government in which the former president clings to immunity and holds two positions simultaneously: Minister of the Presidency (political strategist) and Minister of Finance (manager of the state budget). He sits at the center of a cabinet mostly made up of top officials he had already chosen before.
The top officials in the Ministries of Education, Social Development, Science and Technology, Transportation, Culture, and Communication remain in their posts.
The same is true for the executive presidents of ten autonomous institutions, despite any questions surrounding their management.
Other former officials from Cháves’s administration are now members of parliament, such as Nogui Acosta, Anna Katherina Müller, Esmeralda Britton, Osvaldo Artavia, Marta Esquivel, and Yara Jiménez (President of the Legislative Assembly), who served in the Chaves cabinet.
Fernández herself was Minister of Planning and Minister of the Presidency as part of the “peaceful revolution” movement championed by Cháves, but now, as President of the country, she asserts that she has the final say and that he, Chaves, is accountable to her.
She boasts of being “the heir to change” and the chosen one for this new four-year term, in which much of what Chávez sowed must bear fruit for “a people who resolved to break with a past that failed us,” she reiterated in her May 8th inaugural speech.
In a speech delivered at times with her trademark “shouts or harsh gestures” when reading the names of guests whom Chavismo considers adversaries, and with the predictable promises of a “tough on crime,” Laura Fernández vowed to “multiply the legacy” left by Cháves.
The people, “like someone waking from a nightmare, rose up suddenly” and now do not want to go back, she said.
However, in this task of continuing Cháves’s legacy and breaking with the past, Fernández relies on several high-ranking officials who come from those parties labeled as “culprits.”
The cabinet included, for example, Carlos Andrés Robles, one of the deputies from the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) who, during the previous four-year term, ended up siding with the ruling party and even helped maintain the immunity of the then-president.
Although he was initially announced as executive president of Incopesca, due to his failure to meet the academic requirements, he was appointed Minister without Portfolio of Coasts, Seas, and Fisheries—a title that didn’t even exist.
A similar situation occurred with Carolina Delgado, who spent her entire life in the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), supporting candidates and governments in power, until she became a PLN legislator and ended up on the Chavista side, eventually being appointed executive president of the National Institute for Women (Inamu).
Yorleny León had done the same thing since 2022, serving as a PLN legislator and assuming the position of Minister of Social Development, a post she still holds.
Among those recently departing from other political groups is Juan Diego López, the executive president of the National Radio and Television System (Sinart). He previously served as an advisor and candidate for deputy with the Partido Nueva República, which ultimately became an ally of Chavismo during the previous four-year term.
Given his political background, López is also close to the conservative political movement aligned with evangelical Christianity. A group of leaders from this sector supported Fernández during his electoral campaign and is also close to approximately four pro-government legislators.
Present with a Past. The arrival of figures from other parties to the Chavista camps, where they denounce those parties, is nothing new. Laura Fernández herself began her career as a bureaucrat in a PLN government; her first vice president, Francisco Gamboa, comes from the PLN, and the second, Douglas Soto, from the PUSC.
The new head of the ruling party’s congressional bloc is Nogui Acosta, who for years was an advisor to the PUSC and later a prominent figure in the government of Carlos Alvarado, of the Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC).
Q COSTARICA — The combination of various adverse factors brought relief to the Costa Rican agricultural sector with a “perfect storm” this year.
Producers and exporters of banana, coffee, melon, and pineapple face multiple obstacles: the strong appreciation of the colon — which accumulates 30% in the last 30 months —, the decline in the international prices of some products, the increase in the production costs, and the possible impact of the El Niño phenomenon.
Bananas
The fire of four fincas in the Atlantic region and the arrival of more than 850 workers, announced by Fresh Del Monte Produce last May 5, raised alerts in the sector. The company attributed the decision to the type of exchange rate: the income is generated in dollars, but the majority of the costs are assumed in colones.
If the colon becomes too strong, each exported dollar is worth less.
The decision worried the Corporación Bananera Nacional (Corbana)—National Banana Corporation—and the Banana Product Association (Aproban). In 2025, the country lost US$130 million due to the reduction in banana exports, dropping from US$1.24 billion in 2024 to US$1.11 billion last year.
There are other factors:
The increase in production costs caused by the shortage of fuels and fertilizers due to the war conflict in the Middle East.
The final storms of 2024 and the beginning of 2025 affected fincas throughout the country and provoked a more aggressive outbreak of black cigars
Little availability of products on the market to control plagues
Coffee
Coffee producers face a double pressure: the dollar exchange and the fall of international grain prices. Arabic coffee prices in the New York Exchange went from US$440 per quintal in October 2025 to US$290 in April 2026, according to the Costa Rican Café Institute (Icafé).
The highest global prices recorded before 2025 have temporarily hidden the problem of the type of exchange, which now forcefully hits the price of liquidation to the manufacturer. For the 2025-2026 item the price is ¢115,754 per bushel (fanega in Spanish), much less than ¢132,445 for the 2021-2022 item. The Icafé attributes the fee exclusively to the deterioration of the dollar against the colon: from ¢649.59 in 2021-2022 to ¢459.65 in 2025-2026.
The panorama for things 2026-2027 is darker. With a type of dollar exchange estimated at between ¢440 and ¢460 and a record production in Brazil that will account for even more than the international prices, the Icafé projects a liquidation price of between ¢83,000 and ¢99,000 for Fanega, a figure much lower than the one from the previous thing.
Piñeros: direct coup
Pineapple
The dollar exchange rate also affects the pineapple (piña) exporters. Estimates from the National Chamber of Producers and Exporters of Pine (Canapep) indicate that the most affected dollar reduced income by US$1.6 billion between 2022 and 2025, from a total export of $6 billion.
They are not difficult to count, but they allow you to measure the presence of products that pay for plans, social charges and consumption in colones. The result is less competitiveness, more skilled managers and greater financial presence.
Melons
Melon producers anticipate a particularly challenging year. According to the Cámara de Productores y Exportadores de Melón y Sandía (Caproexmes)—Chamber of Melon and Watermelon Producers and Exporters, the outlook for the 2026-2027 cycle is uncertain, and a drop in production is expected. Among the main challenges are:
Exchange Rate: Sales contracts and international prices are set in dollars, but a significant portion of costs—salaries, social security contributions, taxes, and fuel—are paid in colones, which impacts profits and hinders necessary investments.
Cost Increases: A significant increase in fertilizers, pesticides, and fuel is expected, in addition to a rise in electricity bills due to the effects of El Niño.
Logistics: The conflict in the Middle East could increase freight costs and reduce container availability, leading to delays in arrival times at destination ports. This is compounded by the limited capacity of the ports of Caldera and Limón.
International Prices: A global overproduction of the fruit would reduce prices for the 2026-2027 harvest.
The Scenario
The conditions for the “perfect storm” are already taking shape. Across all four sectors, cautious outlooks prevail: reductions in cultivated areas, drops in exports, lower profits, and job losses are all possible.
Q COSTARICA — The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is carrying out a large-scale operation nicknamed “Caso Lusso” this Monday morning against a suspected money laundering ring, with 17 simultaneous raids in areas including Escazú, Santa Ana, Alajuela, Heredia, and Pérez Zeledón.
According to the acting director general of the OIJ, Michael Soto, eight people have been arrested so far, including the alleged ringleader, a 50-year-old man surnamed Alfaro.
During the operations, authorities seized 10 high-end vehicles valued at approximately US$2.7 million, some of which are exclusive to the country. Brands such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini are among the seized vehicles.
“To give you an idea, there’s one vehicle valued at US$400,000, and there are only four of them in the country,” Soto explained.
In addition, the OIJ identified 29 properties located in exclusive areas of the capital, with a value of approximately US$7 million.
One of the properties is described as a mansion, with its own private theater, wine cellar, and gym, among other luxuries, overlooking the Central Valley.
Authorities also seized cash and an AR-15 rifle.
The investigation is related to money laundering, although authorities link the organization to previous drug trafficking cases known as “Torero” and “Manantiales.”
For now, the eight detained this morning were identified by their last name as:
Alfaro Flores
Solís
Lanuza
Backer
Villalobos
Monge
Alfaro
Piedra
The OIJ director added that the investigation is ongoing and further details would be provided later.
Q COSTARICA — In Costa Rica, holidays carry a special kind of respect — they are celebrated right on their calendar day, not moved to create long weekends.
This tradition, deeply rooted in the country’s culture, sets Costa Rica apart from many other places where holiday dates are often moved to a Monday to extend the weekend.
For Costa Ricans, the exact date of a holiday— like Día de la Madres (Mother’s Day) on August 15 and Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) on September 15 — holds significance that goes beyond just a day off work.
Whether it’s Día de la Madres (Mother’s Day) on August 15, Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) on September 15 or the observance of Juan Santamaría Day on April 11, the country embraces the original date to honor history, culture, and tradition.
This practice ensures that the meaning behind each holiday isn’t diluted by convenience or calendar adjustments.
The decision to stick to the calendar dates reflects a broader cultural value in Costa Rica: a respect for heritage and historical memory. Each holiday marks a specific event or moment that shaped the nation, and celebrating it on the exact day keeps that connection alive in a way that a moved date might not.
This tradition also influences the rhythm of work and daily life. Instead of stretching holidays into extended weekends, Costa Ricans plan around the day itself, often returning to their routines the next day with a renewed sense of cultural pride.
For example, some years back, the then government decided to create a long weekend for Mother’s Day, changing the official date of August 15th since 1932 to the following Monday. That year, there were two Mother’s Days: the first on August 15, as always, and the other the following Monday. That is, people, though August 15 was not a legal holiday that year, took the day off work anyway.
Back in 2020, when the pandemic hit, Carlos Alvarado’s government shifted several holidays to either Friday or Monday, turning them into long weekends. But by 2024, all the holidays went back to being observed on their original dates.
Costa Ricans could once again enjoy long weekends
If a bill introduced by Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)—ruling party—legislator Wilson Jiménez in the Legislative Assembly moves forward.
Representative Wilson Jiménez, of the ruling Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO), proposes moving five holidays to the following Monday.
The proposal suggests moving the holidays of April 11, July 25, August 2, August 31, and December 1 to Monday. The first two would remain mandatory holidays, while the other three would retain their non-mandatory status.
The initiative maintains the holidays of January 1st, Holy Thursday and Good Friday, May 1st (Labor Day), August 15th (Mother’s Day), September 15th (Independence Day), and December 25th (Christmas).
The legislator pointed out that past years have shown clear benefits for businesses, startups, and tourism across various regions of the country. The proposal also highlights how extended weekends encourage rest, family bonding, and improve workers’ mental well-being.
Before moving on to debate and a vote in the legislature, the bill must first be reviewed by a legislative committee. If it passes with majority support, it will then be sent to the president for signing into law.
Support for the bill
Support for the bill, among others, is the Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur)—National Chamber of Tourism.
The tourism sector believes the measure would have a positive impact on the national economy, especially in regions that depend on domestic tourism. According to industry studies and metrics, reservations and sales can increase by up to 40% on average during long weekends.
Canatur says the benefit would extend to hotels, restaurants, tour operators, shops, and other tourism-related businesses, while respecting the civic, cultural, and religious significance of the dates that could be affected by the legislative discussion.
Shirley Calvo, executive director of Canatur, noted that thousands of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises depend directly on domestic tourism.
Canatur considers it important to find a balance between traditions and the need to revitalize local economies, adding that increased visitor traffic helps sustain employment and strengthen national tourist destinations.
Q COSTARICA — The president of the Legislative Assembly, Yara Jiménez, decided to shelve the reports prepared by the special commission that investigated the alleged sexual abuse committed by former legislator Fabricio Alvarado during the previous administration, sparking a strong reaction from opposition legislators.
In her resolution, Jiménez concluded that the Legislative Assembly lost its capacity to impose moral sanctions once the accused ceased to hold office.
However, Alvarado still faces three complaints of alleged sexual abuse before the Fiscalía—Attorney General’s Office—including one filed by former legislator Mariulin Azofeifa.
The decision by Jiménez generated immediate reactions from various legislative factions, who described the closure of the process as a message of impunity regarding the accusations of violence and sexual harassment.
Perennial presidential candidate and former legislator, Fabricio Alvarado
“The Legislative Assembly Presidency chose to protect Fabricio Alvarado instead of sending a clear message against harassment, bullying, and sexual violence,” stated legislator Claudia Dobles, the only member of the Coalición Agenda Ciudadana (CAC) party.
“First, I want to say that as a woman, I am absolutely outraged by the disgrace we have just witnessed today in this plenary session. Even worse, that this disgrace was defended by other women. It is important to state that it is absolutely false that this plenary session cannot conclude the disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Fabricio Alvarado,” Dobles added.
The sole legislator of the of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), Abril Gordienko López, stated that the ruling party “turned its back” on President Laura Fernández, who publicly denounced alleged acts of harassment by Alvarado during the election campaign.
Laura Fernández, during the last election campaign, denounced Alvarado for alleged mistreatment while she worked in his office.
“I can never forget when he cornered me in an office with the false promise—how delicate—of giving me a Bible. I will never be afraid to raise my voice for justice, for the thousands of Costa Ricans who have been victims of a bunch of swine,” Fernández said during the Radio Columbia debate.
However, Fernández has asserted that her complaint against Alvarado did not escalate to the levels of those of Azofeifa and other victims.
For his part, Frente Amplio party leader, José María Villalta, asserted that what happened represents a setback in the fight against sexual harassment within public institutions.
“We have witnessed a shameful act, lacking any legal basis, which actually guarantees and reinforces impunity for sexual harassers. We have seen how this resolution by the Speaker seeks to institutionalize a protection network for sexual harassers, sending a dangerous and regrettable message,” Villalta stated.
The special commission had been created to analyze the complaints against the former legislator and determine any potential political and administrative responsibilities within the parliamentary sphere.
Although the opposition will appeal Jiménez’s decision, they are unlikely to win, as 38 votes are required, and the ruling party, the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), to which the President of the Legislature belongs, holds 31 of the 57 votes.
Jiménez, who assumed on May 1 the presidency of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica for the 2026-2027 term, has been criticized by opposition groups and the media due to her close relationship and political affinity with former President Rodrigo Chaves and former legislator Pilar Cisneros, recognized as a key leader of the ruling party (“Chavismo”). Both Chaves and Cisneros have been linked to the political protection of Alvarado from accusations.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica has approved a phased strategy to vaccinate ‘adultos mayores’ (elderly) against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a population that can also suffer serious complications from this respiratory infection.
The decision was made by the National Commission on Vaccination and Epidemiology (CNVE), as confirmed by Dr. Roberto Arroba, Immunization Coordinator and member of that technical body.
“It was agreed to approve the phased vaccination strategy against RSV for people over 60 years of age,” Arroba stated.
However, the rollout will be gradual. The first stage will focus on those over 75 years of age, while the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS) completes the economic and operational analysis for purchasing the vaccine.
According to Arroba, the CCSS must present these studies to the commission in June.
This decision expands upon the path Costa Rica began on June 2, 2015, when it started administering this vaccine to pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation.
Risk in older adults
Respiratory syncytial virus is usually associated with babies and young children. However, specialists warn that it can also severely affect older adults, especially those with chronic illnesses.
“In national hospitals, in the internal medicine department, there are many older adults hospitalized, and a significant percentage are there because of this virus,” explained Arroba.
Furthermore, the specialist pointed out that screening for this virus is not always performed in adults.
Therefore, some cases may be recorded as pneumonia or other respiratory complications without the exact cause being confirmed.
“It could end up being pneumonia, with serious long-term effects, or even death, and we never knew the reason,” he added.
Arroba indicated that the country is also seeking to strengthen surveillance through Inciensa, in order to better measure the true burden of respiratory syncytial virus in older adults.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection most commonly appear about four to six days after exposure to the virus. In adults and older children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like signs and symptoms. These may include:
Congested or runny nose
Dry cough
Low-grade fever
Sore throat
Sneezing
Headache
In severe cases
RSV infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis — inflammation of the small airway passages entering the lungs. Signs and symptoms may include:
Fever
Severe cough
Wheezing — a high-pitched noise that’s usually heard on breathing out (exhaling)
Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing — the person may prefer to sit up rather than lie down
Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis)
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if anyone at risk of severe RSV infection — has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.
Q COSTARICA — This Wednesday, the US dollar fell again, reaching a new all-time low since 2007.
According to the Central Bank’s Foreign Exchange Market, the US dollar closed at ¢454.49 in the day’s session.
The peak tourist season is expected to be responsible for flooding the economy with dollars, along with the Central Bank’s high monetary policy rate (MPR) of 3.25%, which attracts investor dollars to our country.
However, Róger Madrigal, president of the Central Bank, believes the US dollar will not remain weak forever and even pointed out that some businesses or individuals could be negatively impacted by the currency’s appreciation.
“Despite the reduction in the exchange rate, the exchange rate risk remains. And the moment the exchange rate reverses, which could happen at any time, then there is a possibility that people without exchange rate hedging will have trouble meeting their obligations,” he stated during a monetary policy meeting of the organization.
The official dollar exchange rate today, Thursday, May 14, 2026, is ¢451.48 for the buy and ¢457.33 for the sell.
RICO’s Q — On the radio show “Nuestra Voz” at Radio Monumental, following her inauguration, President Laura Fernández claimed that homicides are under control.
Really, Laura?
She’s probably leaning on data up to March 23, 2026, which showed 158 homicides—58 fewer than the same period last year.
But the truth is, homicides have actually gone up.
Only five days since she took office, provinces like Puntarenas, Cartago, and Limón have reported multiple homicides, including the killing of a Fuerza Pública officer.
Since her inauguration on Friday, the homicide count is already two higher than it was on the same day last year.
If this pace keeps up, the total could easily surpass last year’s record of 873 homicides, making 2025 the third most violent year in Costa Rica’s history. For context, 2024 had 880 homicides, and 2023 holds the record with 907.
Earlier this year, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) projected around 730 homicides for 2026, based on crime trends and technical analysis.
Here’s something to think about:
No previous president—Óscar Arias, Miguel A. Rodríguez, Abel Pacheco, Laura Chinchilla, José María Figueres, Rafael A. Calderón, Luis Guillermo Solís, or Carlos Alvarado—has faced homicide numbers this high.
On average, in the last four years, more than two people are murdered daily in Costa Rica. It’s not, as Rodrigo Chaves put it, just “bad guys killing each other.”
Take this, for example:
On May 7 at 2 p.m., on Paseo Colón, a hitman killed a young man and injured two innocent women, including a bus passenger.
Yesterday (Wednesday), six people were killed: a double homicide in Limón’s Lomas del Toro (Matina) where two men on a motorcycle were shot; two men were shot dead in Sardinal, Carrillo, Guanacaste; confirmation that a police officer wounded in Batán, Limón, died; and a 19-year-old was gunned down at a bar in Paso Canoas.
On Monday, a traffic accident between two drivers in Cartago ended with one of them dead.
No, Laura, it’s time to stop downplaying the violence and crime crisis.
Q COSTARICA —After reviewing the case, the Criminal Court of Desamparados on Wednesday imposed a precautionary measure against former presidential candidate, former legislator, and founder and leader of the Partido Nueva República (PRN), Fabricio Alvarado.
This measure was requested by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in response to allegations of sexual abuse against the former legislator by two women, one of whom was former Nueva República legislator Marulin Azofeifa.
The precautionary measure prohibits Alvarado from contacting, disturbing, or interfering with the alleged victims and witnesses in any way.
Since Alvarado lost his immunity on May 1 when his four-year term ended, the case is being heard in an ordinary criminal court.
Alvarado came back to Costa Rica on Monday, and the next day, the Public Prosecutor’s Office questioned the former legislator about three alleged sexual abuse cases.
The politician did not comment on the matter as he left the Prosecutor’s Office, accompanied by his lawyer, Eric Ramos.
Today, Thursday, Yara Jiménez, president of the Legislative Assembly, is expected to announce her decision regarding the three reports currently before the legislature on this matter, where 26 opposition legislators from the PLN, Frente Amplio, PUSC, and Agenda Ciudadana parties are requesting that the reports be discussed and that Alvarado be sanctioned.
Q COSTARICA — The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) ruled out the presence of explosives in a vehicle located at Juan Santamaría International Airport, following a thorough inspection by both OIJ agents and the specialized police unit, the Unidad Especial de Intervención (UEI).
The situation caused a temporary disruption to access to the international arrivals area, reported the airport’s operator, Aeris, while access to the international departures area remained restricted.
A video circulating on social media shows the moment the trunk of a car parked outside the terminal was detonated with a controlled explosion to access the vehicle’s trunk. The vehicle was a white 2015 Hyundai Elantra, registered to a woman with the last name Solís.
Earlier, specialized personnel were seen searching the surrounding vehicles.
Around 3:30 p.m., the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued an alert regarding the possible presence of explosives and firearms.
Around 5:45 p.m., the airport administration reported that “passenger arrival is proceeding normally. Air operations remain active in accordance with established procedures.”
Javier Moreira, director of the Air Surveillance Service, ruled out the possibility of the situation causing the suspension of incoming or outgoing flights.
However, a security perimeter was established in the area where the vehicle was located, specifically in the parking area.
Following the procedure, the vehicle was returned to its owners, confirmed the OIJ.
Q COSTARICA — Regardless of the time, place, or social status, all drivers are susceptible to becoming victims of road rage, a growing concern, particularly in the metropolitan San José area.
Recent incidents of road violence mostly involved drivers using steel tubes or deliberately striking each other. But on Tuesday, everything changed when a 23-year-old driver surnamed named Mora Cubero faced off against a 33-year-old man, Francisco Granados López, who was reportedly wielding a forceful weapon. Mora Cubero pulled out a gun and, seeing that the threat wasn’t backing down, shot him.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, in Cartago, on the street leading to the Paseo Metrópoli mall, as confirmed by Cartago Mayor Mario Redondo.
According to Redondo, the incident was a result of a roadside argument sparked by a car crash in the middle of a traffic jam. Both drivers got out of their vehicles and began arguing. Mora Cubero pulled out a firearm and shot Granados in the left thigh, who bled to death at the scene.
The Cruz Roja confirmed that they responded to the call at approximately 6:45 a.m. Upon arrival, they found a man with a gunshot wound to the leg; however, he was already deceased.
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) arrested the young man at the scene of the incident. Authorities confirmed that Mora Cubero has a valid firearms permit. The incident was recorded by a security camera in the area, and the recording is now in the hands of the Prosecutor’s Office as key evidence.
A case of self-defence?
In Costa Rica, the principle of self-defence is regulated in the Penal Code which permits self-defense under strict conditions governed by the principle of proportionality, where the force used to defend yourself must match the severity of the attack, and an imminent threat to your life or severe physical integrity (e.g., an assailant wielding a gun or knife).
Under Costa Rican law, you are generally only protected when defending yourself or your own property. Acting as a “Good Samaritan” to protect others can lead to legal liability if your own life was not directly in jeopardy. You cannot legally attack a fleeing or retreating assailant. Force used after the immediate danger has passed is treated as a criminal assault rather than self-defense
In the case of Mora Cubero, he is being processed in the Cartago Flagrancy Court to determine the precautionary measures.
How exposed are we all to facing such a situation?
Álvaro Solano, Director of Psychology at Fidélitas University, speaking to Larepublica. net, explained that we are all potentially vulnerable because simply encountering someone acting out of anger, fear, or impulsiveness is enough to cause an everyday situation to spiral out of control.
Therefore, in moments of tension, the priority shouldn’t be proving who is right, but rather protecting life and preventing an impulse from ending in tragedy.
Often, withdrawing, remaining silent, or walking away in time can save not only a life, but also prevent emotional and familial consequences that can haunt people for years.
Solano added traffic accident can trigger very strong emotional responses, especially when stress, impulsiveness, a sense of threat, and low frustration tolerance are combined. In a matter of seconds, an argument can go from a purely verbal conflict to an aggressive reaction, with people losing control and acting out of anger rather than reason.
Remember that each person reacts differently depending on their personality, stress level, emotional history, self-control, and frustration management skills.
Some people manage to stay calm and resolve the incident rationally, while others may interpret the clash as a threat, humiliation, or provocation and react impulsively. Factors such as fatigue, anxiety, urgent situations, substance use, accumulated personal problems, and each person’s learned behaviors on how to deal with conflict, as well as the low emotional intelligence some people possess, also play a role.
Mental health experts tells us there are some warning signs that lead to disproportionate reactions to minor situations. Some people have difficulty tolerating frustration, have a constant need to assert themselves, are impulsive, moody, frequently verbally aggressive, and have very little ability to stop themselves before acting.
It’s also common to see people interpret any disagreement as a personal attack.
Often, behind this behavior lie high levels of accumulated stress, unresolved emotional issues, or a persistent feeling of tension that eventually explodes at the least expected moment. The problem is that when someone loses the ability to regulate their emotions, a few seconds of anger can escalate into irreversible decisions that affect entire families and leave lifelong consequences.
When feeling attacked, the ideal is always to prioritize protecting oneself and avoid direct confrontation. In the face of a physical threat with a potentially lethal object, the most advisable reaction would have been to try to maintain distance, find an escape route, take cover, and seek immediate help from the authorities, if conditions allowed.
On the road, walking away, keeping your distance, and not responding to provocation is not an act of weakness, but a decision of protection and emotional maturity. However, some believe they must react or assert themselves, when in reality, true strength lies in preventing a moment of anger from changing lives forever.
Q COSTARICA — With an ambitious agenda that includes the approval of the 4×3 work schedule, the sale of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), gold mining in Crucitas, and the development of the Government City complex, President Laura Fernández began her term last Friday.
This is a work agenda that will involve much dialogue, negotiation, and even clashes with political parties, so it is very likely that her intentions will face fierce opposition.
However, Fernández has an ace up her sleeve to carry out her tasks and approve these projects and other initiatives she desires, such as a new expropriation law, the Limón marina and cruise terminal, a reform to the organic law of the Comptroller General’s Office, and the law harmonizing the electricity market.
The ace is her power to call a referendum or public consultation whenever she thinks it’s necessary.
In essence, a referendum is a mechanism of direct democracy that allows citizens to approve, modify, or repeal laws through popular vote, as was done in 2007 when Costa Ricans voted to approve the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States.
The possibility of holding a referendum could be considered by the new president, given that the new blocs of the Partido Liberacion Nacional (PLN) and the Frente Amplio (FA) will have 17 and 7 legislators, respectively, which would allow them to delay the approval of certain bills for months or even years.
In fact, a single legislator could be capable of obstructing the legislative process if they have a thorough understanding of the legislative rules, as is the case with the elected legislators José María Villalta and Edgardo Araya, of the Frente Amplio.
In the initial case, having 31 pro-government legislators means securing the needed 38 votes in the Legislative Assembly only requires support from a few opposition members.
The other option is for the president to ask the elections tribunal—Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)— to organize the referendum. For this, just 29 lawmakers need to approve the request.
The second possibility is for the president to request the elections tribunal, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) to hold the referendum. In this case, the decision must be validated by only 29 legislators for the process to begin.
The final method to trigger a referendum is by gathering signatures from 5% of registered voters. Considering the president’s current approval ratings, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
Referendums can only be held once a year and only six months before or after presidential elections.
In referendums, Costa Ricans vote on a bill, or even several bills at the same time, and only have to choose between “yes” or “no.”
Fiscal, budgetary, pension, and state credit matters are off-limits to referendums. Changes to the Constitution and decisions on minority issues are also prohibited, according to the Constitutional Chamber or Sala IV as it is often referred to.
Everything else is permitted, such as the closure and merger of institutions, the sale of a state bank sich as the BCR, legalizing marijuana, promoting mining, approving the 4×3 work schedule, and the Limón marina and cruise terminal, among others.
What does Laura Fernández intend to do?
President-elect Laura Fernández has been quite clear about the projects she intends to promote along with her caucus of 31 representatives. To help with this, she named former president Rodrigo Chaves as the Ministro de la Presidencia (Chief of Staff). One of his key jobs is to keep the lines of communication open between the Executive and Legislative branches.
Q COSTARICA — The national weather service, the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN), reported that a mass of dry air will persist over Central America that will favor mostly fair weather across much of the country and limit cloud formation.
The IMN indicated that the probability of rain will be low and concentrated only in areas of the South Pacific in the coming days.
Additionally, gusty winds are expected at various times throughout the day in the Central Valley and Guanacaste.
The IMN noted that this week begins with higher humidity over Costa Rica compared to the weekend, following the presence of a mass of dry air over the region that had contributed to the stable weather pattern in recent days.
RICO’s Q: Could this hint at what is to be? When I checked the Presidencia’s official site on Saturday—just a day after Laura Fernández took office—Rodrigo Chaves was still listed.
By Sunday, the website was officially “under maintenance”.
Websites nowadays are the heart and soul of every business and government operation.
The transfer of power didn’t happen overnight. Everyone knows that in Costa Rica, a new government takes office on May 8 after the presidential election. These days, it’s normal for each incoming administration to set up its own website. That’s just how things roll now.
This practice, of launching a new website, is deeply embedded in the country’s political culture. A deliberate choice rooted in transparency, accountability, and the symbolism.
The rationale behind this tradition is straightforward. Each new administration wants to establish its own identity online—a clean slate that reflects its priorities, policies, and vision for the nation. By creating a new website from scratch, the incoming government can tailor content, design, and communication strategies without being tethered to its predecessor’s digital footprint.
It’s a digital declaration of change that mirrors the political transition taking place.
A new website signals a commitment to openness by presenting up-to-date information directly from the current administration. It allows citizens to easily distinguish between past policies and new initiatives, reducing confusion about which government is responsible for what. In a country where public trust in institutions is a constant concern, clear communication is key.
Moreover, the practice helps prevent the carryover of obsolete content. Government websites can become cluttered with old announcements, expired programs, and irrelevant content. Starting fresh ensures that only current, relevant information is available, making it easier for citizens to find what they need.
Laura Fernández’s government is often described as a continuation, yet the new president’s own words tell a different story — she calls this the start of Costa Rica’s “third republic.”
If that’s the case, I can’t help but wonder—shouldn’t there be more planning involved? Or is Doña Laura just going to wing it for the next four years? Or maybe Don Rodrigo still hasn’t given his approval?
Online gaming today feels like it’s competing for who can shout the loudest. Flashier graphics, bigger jackpots, more chaos. Somewhere in the middle of all that noise, PHBingo quietly sits down, sips its coffee, and still gets players.
No explosions. No complicated mechanics. No need to fake understanding of odds just to keep up. Just numbers, timing, and that oddly satisfying moment when everything clicks into place.
It sounds almost too simple to survive, which is exactly why it does.
PHBingo doesn’t fight for attention the way other games do. Instead, it relies on something far more dangerous: comfort. It’s familiar, easy to jump into, and doesn’t demand much from the player. In a world where everything is trying too hard, that’s oddly refreshing.
Simplicity as a Competitive Advantage
There’s a strange assumption that more complexity equals more value. PHBingo politely disagrees.
At its core, bingo is about matching numbers. That’s it. No skill trees. No strategy guides. No late-night existential crisis trying to figure out what went wrong.
And yet, this simplicity becomes its biggest strength.
Because players don’t need to “learn” the game, they can immediately enjoy it. That instant accessibility lowers the barrier to entry and keeps people from bouncing off in frustration.
More importantly, it creates a relaxed experience. You’re not trying to win through skill. You’re just… playing. And that shift in mindset makes a huge difference in how long people stick around.
Turns out, not everyone wants to work while playing a game. Shocking revelation.
GameZone Twists: Bingo, But Make It Interesting
Of course, even the simplest game needs a little variety. Staring at the same grid forever isn’t exactly thrilling, unless you’re deeply committed to routine.
That’s where GameZone steps in and says, “What if we keep the game the same… but make everything around it more fun?”
Classic Bingo: The Comfort Zone
This is the version that feels like home. Straightforward cards, steady pacing, no surprises. It’s the digital version of the traditional bingo hall experience, minus the need to actually leave your house.
It’s perfect for players who want something familiar and predictable. No drama. No pressure. Just a steady rhythm that’s easy to settle into.
Speed Bingo: For the Impatient
Then you have players who don’t believe in waiting. For them, speed bingo exists.
Rounds move quickly, results come fast, and the pace feels closer to modern mobile games. It’s built for short attention spans and people who want immediate feedback.
Which, let’s be honest, is a lot of people now.
Themed Bingo: Because Aesthetics Matter
GameZone also throws in themed rooms, adding color, design, and personality to the experience. The mechanics stay the same, but the vibe changes.
It’s a clever move. You don’t mess with what works. You just make it look better.
This appeals to players who want something visually engaging without learning a new system. Minimal effort, maximum variation.
Multiplayer Bingo: Turning Solo into Social
And then there’s the social layer.
Multiplayer bingo brings players together in real time. Chat features, shared wins, and ongoing interaction transform the game into something more than just numbers on a screen.
Suddenly, it’s not just about winning. It’s about being part of something.
Which leads to an uncomfortable truth: people actually enjoy each other’s company sometimes.
Social Bingo: Because Humans Need Humans
PHBingo leans heavily into the idea that games don’t have to be solitary. Even in a digital space, it recreates the feeling of being in a room with others.
Players chat. They react. They celebrate small wins together.
This sense of community does something important. It shifts the experience from purely transactional to emotional.
You’re no longer just playing a game. You’re participating in a shared activity.
And once people feel connected, they tend to stick around longer. Not because they need to, but because they want to.
Annoyingly effective.
The Secret Sauce: Psychology at Work
Now comes the part where things get a little more… calculated.
PHBingo may look simple, but underneath that simplicity is a collection of psychological triggers doing quiet, efficient work.
Anticipation: The Real Star of the Show
That moment before a number gets called? That tiny pause? That’s where the magic lives.
Anticipation activates the brain’s reward system. Even if nothing happens, the possibility that something might happen is enough to keep attention locked in.
It’s not about winning every time. It’s about the feeling that you could.
Small Wins, Big Impact
PHBingo doesn’t rely on massive payouts to keep players engaged. Instead, it delivers frequent, smaller wins.
These small victories create steady positive reinforcement. They keep motivation high without the emotional crash that comes from chasing huge jackpots.
It’s less dramatic, but far more sustainable.
The Near-Win Illusion
Few things are as persuasive as almost winning.
Being one number away feels like progress, even though the outcome is still random. The brain treats it like you were close, like success is just within reach.
It isn’t. But it feels like it is, and that’s enough.
Just Enough Brainpower
PHBingo also hits a sweet spot in mental engagement.
You’re not passive, but you’re not exactly working hard either. You track numbers, stay alert, and scan your cards.
It creates a light “flow” state where you’re engaged but not exhausted. The kind of balance that makes time pass faster than it should.
The “Just One More Round” Effect
At some point, every player tells themselves, “Just one more round.”
And then, somehow, it’s five rounds later.
This isn’t an accident. It’s the result of everything working together. The pacing, the small wins, the anticipation, the social interaction. Each element nudges the player to stay just a little longer.
Not aggressively. Not forcefully. Just enough to keep the loop going.
It’s subtle. And that’s why it works.
Different Players, Different Bingo Styles
One of PHBingo’s smarter moves is recognizing that not all players are the same.
Some want calm, predictable gameplay. Others want speed. Some care about visuals. Others care about interaction.
By offering different variants through GameZone, PHBingo adapts without losing its identity. It stays simple at its core while still catering to a wide range of preferences.
It’s like serving the same dish in different styles. Same ingredients, different presentation. People still come back for it.
Playing Smart: Keeping Fun from Turning Risky
Now for the part everyone likes to gloss over.
PHBingo is often seen as light and low-pressure, which is mostly true. But “mostly harmless” isn’t the same as “harmless.”
The same features that make it fun, easy access, frequent rewards, and social engagement can also make it easy to lose track of time and spending.
So the sensible approach is simple:
Treat it as entertainment, not income.
Set limits before you start.
Know when to stop, even if the game is still inviting you to stay.
Because while the game is designed to be enjoyable, it’s still your responsibility to decide how far that enjoyment goes.
Not as exciting as chasing wins, but significantly better for your long-term sanity.
Conclusion: Simple Game, Surprisingly Clever
PHBingo works because it doesn’t try to be everything.
It takes a simple concept and enhances it just enough to keep things interesting. GameZone adds variety without overcomplicating the experience. Psychology keeps players engaged without them realizing why.
And the result is something that feels effortless but is quietly effective.
In a world full of games trying too hard, PHBingo succeeds by doing less and doing it well.
Which, if you think about it, is a strategy a lot of things could benefit from.
RICO’s Q — Costa Rica holds its presidential ‘traspaso de poderes’—the formal transfer of power—today, May 8, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful governance.
The ceremony will officially start at 11:00 a.m, an hour ahead of the typical high noon, so as not to be ruined by rain, at the Estadio Nacional (National Stadium) in La Sabana park, in the heart of the capital city.
This symbolic and constitutional event, deeply embedded in Costa Rica’s political culture, signals not just a change in leadership but a renewal of public trust and democratic values.
The ‘traspaso de poderes’ ceremony is more than a tradition; it embodies Costa Rica’s unique political identity—one that shuns military influence and embraces dialogue, cooperation, and transparency.
But. Yes, there is a but. Although outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves will formally pass the presidential sash to Laura Fernández, he won’t just step aside and disappear as others before him have done. Instead, Chaves will stay right by Fernández’s side as a super minister, juggling two key roles—Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance—making him the true power behind Laura.
Anyone who has doubts should examine these image analytically; it says it all.
On Tuesday, at the close of her cabinet-naming ceremony, Laura’s simple gesture sent a clear message: she is ready to follow his lead.
And by the end of the day today, something that should bother even his most loyal supporters, Chaves will become the highest-paid public employee ever. Between his salary as Minister of Finance, his pay as Minister of the Presidency, and an extravagant presidential pension, he’s raking in more than anyone, even the new president.
He will have turned into exactly what he once vowed to fight against.
The nation now looks ahead, eager to see how this new chapter of ‘chavismo’ unfolds.
Q COSTARICA — Acting more like a President than a minister serving at the pleasure of the president, Rodrigo Chaves is confident he won’t have to deal with any “Judases” in the ruling party’s caucus.
With just over a day left in his term, Chaves compares his situation to Jesus’ betrayal by Judas, who sold him out to the Romans for 30 pieces of silver.
The ruling party, the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), currently has a “working majority” with 31 of the 57 seats in the Legislative Assembly. This gives the new government, where he will be responsible, among other duties, for coordinating political relations in the Legislative Assembly, not only with the ruling party legislators but also with the opposition, the ability to pass legislation, particularly on economic and security matters, without relying on opposition votes.
The PPSO did not secure the 38 seats (two-thirds of “super majority”) needed for constitutional changes, Supreme Court justice appointments, or the suspension of individual rights, leaving space for opposition checks.
As president, Chaves had to contend with the departure of two members of the ruling party. These were former legislators María Marta Padilla and Luz Mary Alpízar, who broke ranks with the party.
“These 31 patriotic members of parliament, these 31 government legislators, will help us promote the changes that Costa Rica needs from the Legislative Assembly… I trust that this time there will be no Judases,” Chaves said.
Chaves, after handing over the presidential sash to his successor, Laura Fernández, on Friday, will step into a dual role as the Minister of the Presidency (Chief of Staff) and Minister of Finance. And what many fear, the role of the real power behind the presidential chair.
This decision has not been well received by the leaders of the Broad Front and the PLN, who fear that dialogue will be conspicuously absent.
“It seems like a renunciation of dialogue with other branches of government, which, unfortunately, will ultimately affect the people of Costa Rica. Faced with this lack of communication and this constant confrontation, it is the people of Costa Rica who lose. (…)
“I predict that less than 24 hours will pass before the first affront to the president, because Rodrigo Chaves is a person incapable of accepting authority, much less respecting the authority of a woman, and I believe that in a short time he will generate very significant tensions within the cabinet,” said José María Villalta, leader of the Frente Amplio caucus with 7 legislative seats, second to the Partido Liberacion Nacional (PLN with 17 seats and one each for the Coalición Agenda Cuidadana (CAC) and the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC).
Q COSTARICA — If President Rodrigo Chaves had not signaled to his supporters whom to support in the previous elections, 70% of Laura Fernández’s voters would have chosen another presidential candidate last February, according to the latest Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) poll.
This finding is significant considering that electoral law prohibits the sitting president from participating in politics and even commenting on the subject.
By the end of 2025, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE)—elections tribunal—had received over 25 complaints accusing Rodrigo Chaves of political belligerence. The TSE even asked to have Chaves’ immunity lifted so they could move forward with their investigations.
According to the poll, the majority of voters would have cast blank ballots (26%), were undecided (22%), or cast invalid ballots (17%), while Álvaro Ramos of the PLN (7.9%), Fabricio Alvarado of Nueva República (4.7%), and Claudia Dobles of Agenda Ciudadana would have benefited.
On the other hand, President Fernández will lead a government with very high expectations, as 59.2% of Costa Ricans believe her government will be better than the current administration of Rodrigo Chaves, while 33% think it will be the same and 7.4% believe it will be worse.
This Wednesday, the latest poll from the Center for Political Research and Studies (CIEP) at the UCR was released, highlighting the significant influence of Chaves’ supporters in the election.
To obtain this data, the UCR conducted 1,005 telephone interviews with people over 18 years of age between April 20-23 and 27-29. With this number of completed interviews and using a 95% confidence level, the maximum margin of error is estimated at ±3.1 percentage points.
La presidenta electa de Costa Rica, Laura Fernández, habla durante la presentación del nuevo gabinete este martes, en San José (Costa Rica). EFE/ Jeffrey Arguedas
RICO’s Q — Chaves takes center stage, while Fernández plays a supporting role at best. By naming Rodrigo Chaves as both Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance, President-elect Laura Fernández Delgado did two things:
She secured Chaves’s immunity for the next four years
She handed him the reins of her government’s economic and political power.
For the next four years, over 60 criminal cases against Chaves will remain unresolved. Serious offenses like embezzlement, extortion, and influence peddling tied to the “CABEI-Carinitos,” Tradeco, and Cisco cases, among others, will be swept under the rug for the next four years.
As Ministro de La Presidencia (Chief of Staff), Chaves outranks all other ministers politically. His role includes managing relations with other government branches and coordinating the work within the cabinet.
President-elect Laura Fernández and her future cabinet on Tuesday, May 5
These two points back up what many have been saying all along: Laura Fernández is mostly a symbolic presence, a DECORATIVE figure, if you will, while the real political—and now economic—power has always been, and will remain, with Rodrigo Chaves.
Just so you know, the Minister of Finance is the one who shapes fiscal policy and plays a big role in guiding the government’s economic decisions.
For anyone who thought Laura represented a different style of leadership, I hope they will realize their mistake. With Rodrigo Chaves holding the two most crucial ministerial positions, don’t expect much to shift over the next four years.
A few weeks back, economist, retired independent researcher, Luis Paulino Vargas, posed a question that sticks with me: Why does Laura Fernández let Rodrigo Chaves cast such a dark shadow over her? No woman should ever have to live in the shadow of a man. And honestly, no woman needs to dim her light just to chase her dreams.
Vargas, in his article and social media, is even more direct in asking: Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed that Chávez systematically tries to belittle Fernández, as if to say, ‘I’m still the king, and you’ll always be my subordinate, for the rest of your life?”
That’s bad enough on its own. But what’s even worse is that Fernández is letting it happen. The problem started right after the elections in February, when Chávez offered Fernández her old job before she stepped down to run for president—and she agreed.
“No newly elected president would ever have accepted such humiliation,” writes Vargas.
From a clinical perspective, Chaves exhibits sociopathic behavior, with a need for dominance and control. Fernández turned out to be the ideal victim with a self-leadership problem, which even provoked imitative behavior in her.
She’s insignificant to Chávez and the Chavistas.
Naming Chaves as Minister of the Presidency signals the downfall of Fernández’s administration. It’s essentially Fernández throwing in the towel—a president diminished to a mere figurehead, lost in the shadows. A second-rate, subservient figure.
If Chaves wants to fast-track a constitutional reform that would let him succeed Laura in four years, he’ll have to overcome resistance in the Legislative Assembly, where he still needs to secure a few more votes to make it happen.
Q COSTARICA — At 12:01 am Thursday, a sharp increase in fuel prices will take effect after it was published today in the official gazette, La Gaceta.
The new prices that will be in effect at all service stations across the country:
Diesel will increase to ¢716 per liter from ¢565
Regular gasoline will increase to ¢748 per liter from ¢628.
Super gasoline will increase to ¢733 per liter from ¢632
Other fuels such as LPG (GLP in Spanish), Bunker, Kerosen, Jet fuel and others, will also increase tomorrow.
The Public Services Regulatory Authority (Aresep) approved the price adjustment on April 30.
Tomorrow, with the increase, filling a 40-liter tank with diesel will cost ¢6,040 more; ¢4,800 for regular; and ¢4,040 for super.
Back in May 2022, a liter of regular gasoline in Costa Rica cost an average of ¢700, around $1.05 at the time, with the exchange rate at ¢665 per dollar. Fast forward four years to tomorrow, and that same liter will cost $1.66, based on an exchange rate of ¢450.
QTip: Here’s a trick to beat price hikes — just put in a fixed amount each time, like ¢10,000 colones. Sure, your car won’t travel as far on that, but at least you’re staying one step ahead of rising prices.
Q COSTARICA — With the goal of coordinating diplomatic, immigration, trade, and security relations, President-elect Laura Fernández decided to send Second Vice President Douglas Soto to Washington, D.C., as Costa Rica’s ambassador.
Fernández made the announcement Tuesday as she unveiled her 2026-2030 cabinet.
Soto, a former member of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) who was unable to run for the presidency, will replace the current ambassador and former Ombudsman, Catalina Crespo.
“From the Costa Rican embassy in the United States, we coordinate and manage matters related to politics, trade, tourism, education, health, and international relations between our two countries,” Fernández said in making the announcement.
The appointment also underscores the importance Costa Rica places on its diplomatic relationship with the United States government.
Costa Rica’s Constitution establishes two vice-presidencies, which are directly elected through a popular vote on a ticket with the president for a period of four years, with no immediate re-election.
