Q COSTARICA — “The only thing missing was appointing him as the national (soccer) team’s coach,” was the reaction of José María Villalta, the head of the Frente Amplio party’s legislative bloc, to the cabinet appointments made by President-elect Laura Fernández, which took place Tuesday morning, three days before the transfer of power.
Villalta described Fernández’s appointments as a “clear continuation,” with most positions from the outgoing government remaining. This included six ministers, ten executive presidencies, and several current high-ranking officials rotating through different roles.
Regarding this, Villalta stated that “it seems more designed to grant or maintain immunity to controversial politicians from the outgoing government than to improve the functioning of institutions.”
Villalta questioned the appointment of President Rodrigo Chaves as the next Minister of the Presidency (Chief of Stadd), with additional responsibilities as Minister of Finance, stating that while he finds it interesting, the person holding the position must coordinate with the other branches of government, which in his opinion will be “difficult” because Chaves is “someone who has dedicated himself to inflaming relations with the other branches of government.”
Villalta therefore considers the appointment as a renunciation of dialogue by the incoming government.
Villalta, who leads the seven legislative members of the opposition, added that he foresees complicated times ahead and won’t even be 24 hours before Chaves’s “first affront with the President.”
“When you (Laura Fernández) get fed up with this situation, we will always be here, ready to seek dialogue… that will always be our priority,” Villalta told the President-elect.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves will serve as Ministro de la Presidencia and Ministro de Hacienda (Chief of Staff and Minister of Finance) in the incoming government, President-elect Laura Fernández announced Tuesday.
Fernández, who will begin her term on Friday, May 8, presented her cabinet on Tuesday, announcing the continuity of numerous figures from Chaves’ administration, including the president himself, who will hold two ministerial positions: He will also coordinate the government’s economic sector.
The president-elect praised Chaves’ work and the “love for Costa Rica” that unites them and thanked him for agreeing to join her “great team.”
“Don Rodrigo, what can I say to you, you who created ‘you won’t let up’ and now ‘we’re going to keep pushing.’ I am absolutely certain that, just as we have done since the first day of your administration, we will continue to work very well as a team, with you contributing your talent and love for Costa Rica along with mine,” Laura Fernández
This marks the first time in the country’s recent history that an outgoing president has assumed a ministerial post in the incoming administration. Similarly, it was unprecedented for Fernández to accept her position as Minister of the Presidency after winning the elections on February 1st.
Laura Fernández, who won the election with the right-wing conservative Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), will retain key figures from the Cháves administration in the ministerial posts of Foreign Affairs, Security, Education, and Public Works and Transportation, as well as in strategic institutions such as the social security system, the electricity sector, and the National Emergency Commission.
At an event held at the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar in San José, Fernández introduced Manuel Tovar, the current Minister of Foreign Trade, as Foreign Minister, and Gerald Campos, currently serving as Minister of Justice and Peace, as Minister of Security.
The president-elect said that each appointment was the result of “a deeply considered, deliberate, and analyzed decision” and that these individuals have “the capacity, sensitivity, and commitment to transform their positions into a real tool for improving the lives of Costa Ricans.”
Fernández described her upcoming term as “the Government of Continuity,” which aims to “deepen the legacy of (outgoing president) Rodrigo (Chaves) and take us even further.”
“We are the team that doesn’t let up and that will continue to push forward,” said the president-elect, who affirmed that she felt “blessed” to “serve with honor, transparency, and human sensitivity.”
Fernández also announced that the second vice president, Douglas Soto, will be Costa Rica’s ambassador to the United States.
As part of the continuity of Rodrigo Chaves’s administration (2022-2026), Fernández will retain the following ministers: Paula Bogantes (Science, Technology, Innovation, and Telecommunications), Efraín Zeledón (Public Works and Transportation), Leonardo Sánchez (Education), Yorleni León (Human Development and Social Inclusion), Arnold Zamora (Communication), and Jorge Rodríguez (Culture and Youth).
Presidents of institutions will also continue, including Marco Acuña at the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), Alejandro Picado at the National Emergency Commission (CONAE), and Mónica Taylor at the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), among others.
Chaves will carry two burdens
One of the questions raised by the experts is how Chaves will handle the workload of assuming two such important portfolios.
Alvardo Ramos, presidential candidate of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), the party with the single largest opposition bloc in the legislative assembly, said: “We hope that, in this new role, Ms. Laura will give (Rodrigo Chaves) clear instructions that we need a respectful dialogue.”
For his part, José María Villalta, leader of the Frente Amplio party with the second largest opposition bloc in the legislative assembly, said, “It’s a cabinet of clear continuity where there are practically no surprises. Most of the positions from the outgoing government remain.”
Sarcastically commenting on Rodrigo Chaves’ appointment to the new cabinet, Villalta added: “All that’s missing is for her to appoint him (Chaves) as the national (soccer) team coach”.
Q COSTARICA — Moving your vehicle in a minor traffic accident (fender bender) where there are no injuries or serious property damage is possible to avoid further traffic congestion for other drivers, according to Erika Mendoza, Operations Director of Auto ASSA Costa Rica.
Mendoza noted that third-party liability insurance policies remain in effect.
While the traditional rule is to never move the vehicle, newer regulations allow for faster resolution to avoid massive traffic jams, the expert says the parties involved in a minor collision where vehicles are still operable, there are no injuries and minimal vehicle damage should make sure drivers must complete and sign a “Declaración de Accidente Menor” (Minor Accident Declaration) form, take photos of both cars or videos of license plates, the road, and the accident scene, and other documentary evidence, as well as contact their insurance company.
The “amicable agreement” (Pacto Amistoso) does not apply if a motorcyclist or if three or more vehicles are involved in the accident, Mendoza said.
Currently, drivers lose up to eight minutes in traffic for every 100 meters traveled, according to the latest report from the Council for the Promotion of Competitiveness.
The situation worsens when there are minor collisions on the road, usually minor bumps that don’t result in injuries or loss of life, and the economic damage is minimal.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica, which celebrated Labor Day on May 1st, is one of the countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with the fewest people working or actively seeking employment, as well as one of those with the highest levels of unemployment among young people and women.
The labor force participation rate—an indicator that measures the percentage of the working-age population (15 years and older) that is employed or actively seeking employment—remained stable in 18 OECD countries during the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year.
However, Costa Rica, Italy, Mexico, and Turkey showed the lowest participation rates, all below 70%.
This means that in these four countries, fewer people are working or actively seeking employment compared to the other OECD member nations.
In the case of Costa Rica, the data indicate that labor force participation was 61.3% during the fourth quarter of last year. Turkey followed, with a rate of 55.1%.
The four OECD nations with the highest labor force participation rates during that period were the Netherlands (82.3%), Japan (80.3%), Switzerland (79.7%), and Germany (77.4%).
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census’s Continuous Employment Survey, the labor force participation rate in Costa Rica was 54% in the three-month period ending in February of this year.
Youth Unemployment
Updated OECD data as of January 2026 also indicates that Costa Rica has the second-highest youth unemployment rate among OECD countries; only Chile has a higher rate.
In Costa Rica, 25.3% of young people cannot find work, despite actively seeking it. In Chile, the figure is 25.6%.
The countries with the lowest youth unemployment rates are Germany (6.3%), Korea (5.7%), Israel (3.8%), and Japan (3.5%).
The percentage of unemployed young people in Costa Rica is higher than the OECD average of 10.8%.
It affects women more.
Among unemployed young people, women are the most affected.
In most OECD countries, young women experienced higher unemployment rates, with particularly high levels in Chile (25.6%), Costa Rica (25.3%), Spain (24.4%), and Italy (23.1%).
The largest gender gaps—disadvantaging young women—are observed in Costa Rica, Colombia, Slovenia, and Turkey.
In Costa Rica, unemployment among women reaches 25.3%, while among men it is around 21%.
Inequality
The inequality of opportunity and low female labor force participation in Costa Rica have been a recurring concern expressed by the OECD in various studies.
In March 2025, the organization indicated that women’s participation in the country’s labor force is 27 percentage points lower than that of men and lags behind other OECD countries and regional peers.
It also noted that domestic care responsibilities limit women’s participation in the labor force, especially for those with lower incomes, whose participation rate is less than 40%.
Furthermore, only 7% of children between the ages of 0 and 2 are enrolled in early childhood education and care institutions.
These inequalities are reflected in women’s average income, which is lower than men’s, due to lower labor force participation and fewer hours of paid work.
“There is a significant imbalance in the amount of paid work hours, as women work, on average, eight hours less per week than men. Domestic and caregiving responsibilities place a disproportionately heavy burden on women, who dedicate almost three times more time to these tasks than men. This limits their opportunities to participate in the labor market or to work full-time,” the OECD warned in its study.
This limitation affects women of all income levels, but especially those with low incomes: nearly 80% indicate that domestic responsibilities constitute a barrier to accessing the labor market.
This situation particularly affects mothers, whose employment rate of 48% is considerably lower than that recorded in other OECD countries (72%).
According to the OECD, improving women’s access to the Costa Rican labor market would increase their households’ disposable income, reduce the risk of falling into poverty, and expand their economic opportunities.
Q COSTARICA — If you’re traveling eastbound from Pavas or westbound from La Sabana and want to take the Circunvalación southeast (ring road) near the Centro Israelita (Israeli Center) or the AyA, you can no longer do so.
If you turn right or left from Ruta 104, you’ll end up directly on Ruta 27.
Since Friday, the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) has closed this connection with a barrier to prevent the traffic chaos that was forming in the area between vehicles coming from Pavas or La Sabana.
On the Circunvalación from La Uruca, those trying to access Ruta 27 towards Escazú, there is now an exclusive lane.
Q COSTARICA — This week, the new fuel price adjustment will take effect in Costa Rica.
The increase, approved last Thursday by the Autoridad Reguladora de los Servicios Públicos (Aresep)—regulator of public services, is most likely to be published on Tuesday or Wednesday, with the increase applied the day (at 12:01 am) after its publication.
The new prices at the pumps will be:
¢748 for regular (up from ¢625)
¢733 for super (up from ¢630)
¢716 for diesel (up from ¢564)
Given these changes, the question many drivers will consider is whether or not it’s advisable to switch between regular and premium gasoline. In other words, can cars that previously used regular gasoline now use premium to save a few colones?
According to the Cámara de Empresarios del Combustible, the key factor is not the price, but the octane rating and its impact on vehicle performance.
Octane rating measures the fuel’s ability to resist premature detonation within the engine, a phenomenon known as “knocking.” The higher the octane rating, the more stable the combustion.
In Costa Rica, 91-octane regular gasoline is suitable for most everyday vehicles.
Meanwhile, 95-octane premium gasoline is designed for higher-performance engines that operate at higher pressures and require more controlled combustion.
Using a higher octane rating than recommended does not improve power or reduce fuel consumption.
The recommendation is clear: consult your vehicle’s manual and use the octane rating indicated by the manufacturer.
In a context where every colón counts, choosing the right fuel is not a luxury, but an informed decision.
Q COSTARICA — The closure of Spirit Airlines’ operations, officially announced on May 2nd, resulted in the complete cancellation of its flights and disrupted the plans of thousands of travelers.
In Costa Rica, Spirit operated daily non-stop flights between the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría airport (SJO)—San José airport and the U.S. cities of Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO).
In response, several international airlines announced special measures to support affected passengers, including reduced fares, flight rebooking, and additional benefits for a limited time.
Avianca
Avianca is offering a protection plan for passengers affected by Spirit Airlines’ cessation of operations, allowing them to rebook for return trips without paying the airfare (subject to availability). But passengers will have to pay taxes, fees, and administrative charges. This applies to tickets issued for travel between May 2 and 16, 2026, and requires passengers to check in at the airport one day before or on the day of their flight.
Avianca’s protection plan applies to travel between the following cities:
Between Fort Lauderdale and the Colombian cities of Armenia, Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, and Medellín; Guayaquil, Ecuador; Lima, Peru; Guatemala City, Guatemala; San Pedro Sula and Comayagua (Palmerola International Airport), Honduras; and San José, Costa Rica.
Between Orlando and Medellín, Colombia; Guatemala City, Guatemala; and San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
JetBlue
JetBlue is offering fares of $99 each way for passengers with a valid Spirit reservation on the same route, applicable to travel through May 6, 2026.
In addition, JetBlue has set a price cap of $299 for Blue Basic fares on nonstop flights that overlapped with Spirit routes, with reservations available through May 8th.
Southwest Airlines
Offers access to special fares for passengers with Spirit reservations, who must check in at the airline’s counters at their departure airport. This offer is valid until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
Delta Air Lines
Announced reduced fares for five days in all markets where Spirit operates, including routes in the United States and Latin America. Travelers can check and book directly on their website or app.
United Airlines
Passengers with Spirit Airlines tickets for the next two weeks can visit www.united.com/specialfares to find special one-way fares from most of the cities previously served by Spirit, including Atlanta, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Miami, Newark, New Orleans, and Orlando.
These fares, valid through May 16, have a general cap of $199, with exceptions of up to $299 on longer routes.
American Airlines
Implemented special fares at 70 of the 72 airports previously served by Spirit, covering 67 routes. It is also exploring increasing capacity with larger aircraft and adding new flights to key destinations.
Frontier Airlines
Announced discounts of up to 50% on base fares for travel through November 19, as well as a “GoWild” pass for $199.
Bookings must be made by May 10, using the promotional code SAVENOW.
Travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays qualifies for a 50% discount on the base fare with a 21-day advance purchase, while travel on other days of the week can receive a 10% discount without requiring advance purchase.
Avelo Airlines
Offers discounts of up to 75% on base fares across its network, in addition to benefits such as status matching in its membership program, with the goal of supporting affected travelers.
These airlines’ actions aim to mitigate the immediate impact of Spirit’s exit from the market, in a context where thousands of passengers must reorganize their itineraries with limited alternatives and on short notice.
RICO’s Q — Think back to your last daily drive—when was the last time you spotted a traffic officer, known locally as tránsitos or tráficos? And the time before that? I could keep going, but the truth is, there just aren’t enough tránsitos to keep up with the growing number of drivers on the road these days.
As of early 2026, Costa Rica has approximately 683 tránsitos—way fewer than I’d guessed while driving recently. That’s about half the size of the roughly 1,200 tránsitos they had a decade ago, back when there were far fewer drivers on the roads.
That means there are usually only around 105 to 170 officers on duty at any moment, as they work in shifts, covering the country’s roughly 32,000 kilometers of road—8,000 of which are main roads.
Recent reports, including one from CRHoy.com, say the country needs at least 600 more tránsitos to effectively manage road safety and congestion. For a closer look at the staffing shortage, an article from La Nación questions whether the current force is enough.
The San José metropolitan area has the highest concentration with 219 tránsitos, while some rural regions like Pacific Central have as few as 60.
The shortage (roughly one tránsito for every 2,845 registered vehicles) makes the roads feel more chaotic and unsafe nowadays.
To address this deficit, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) is in the process of hiring. According to Teletica, the government has historically struggled to maintain staffing levels, but there are plans to add roughly 100 new agents in 2025/2026 to help fill vacancies left by retirements.
So, there is really no plan to add the urgently needed number of tránsitos to make the roads safe again, with actions like the capacity to monitor that volume of cars.
Rather than adding more physical officers on the roads, the Consejo de Seguridad Vial (COSEVI)—the traffic directorate of the MOPT—has been promoting the implementation of video surveillance.
However, several constitutional rulings have prevented the direct sanctioning of license plates, significantly complicating their application. The last time that was tried was back in 2011 when fixed traffic speed cameras (fotorradares) were operational on major roads such as the Autopista General Cañas (San José-Alajuela) and Florencio del Castillo (Cartago), and others. My reports on that fiasco can still be found on my former publication.
Traffic speed cameras currently exist in Costa Rica. They are mobile units set up temporarily at selected locations managed by a team of tránsitos. They’re definitely real—but good luck spotting one.
With limited police patrols on the roads, poorly enforced traffic laws, inadequate infrastructure, speeding vehicles weaving through traffic, reckless overtaking on narrow roads, and a general disregard for traffic signals and pedestrian rights, accidents are common, and emergency response can be slow.
While the presence of tránsitos on the roads is sporadic and corruption allegations have sometimes undermined public trust, many drivers feel emboldened to ignore speed limits and safety regulations, turning the roads into more of a free-for-all than a regulated system.
Q COSTARICA — Under the leadership of Yara Jiménez as President of the Legislative Assembly, the newly elected legislators begin their duties today, carrying a heavy burden of expectations.
The 2026-2030 Legislature (Costa Rica’s unicameral body, comprising 57 legislators elected by province) will have a pro-government bloc of 31 legislators, the largest in 44 years.
Therefore, it is expected that President-elect Laura Fernández will be able to pass a series of controversial and high-impact projects for Costa Rica.
Gold mining in Crucitas, the sale of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR), the 4×3 work schedule, and the law harmonizing the electricity sector are among them.
To achieve its goals, the Chavista, the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) will appoint its legislators to all positions on the Legislative Assembly today, something that hasn’t happened in 25 years, since the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) placed all its members in the positions during Abel Pacheco’s first year in office.
Also, starting today, Costa Rica will take a huge leap forward in terms of gender and political participation, as the Legislative Assembly with the highest female participation in our country’s history.
The increase from 27 female legislators in the previous term to 30 under the new will propel Costa Rica into the top five countries with the most female members of parliament worldwide.
Currently, Costa Rica ranks eighth, according to United Nations and Inter-Parliamentary Union data. However, with the change in administration, the country will move to fourth place, surpassed only by Rwanda (63.8%), Cuba (57.2%), and Nicaragua (55%). In total, Costa Rica will have 52.6% of its parliamentary seats held by women.
Another noteworthy aspect is that the conservative sector will not disappear from the Legislative Assembly with the departure of Nueva República and Fabricio Alvarado, as at least five legislators from the ruling Pueblo Soberano party will form a kind of conservative bloc within the majority caucus.
These legislators are Robert Jr. Barrantes, Gerardo Bogantes, Kattia Mora, Gonzalo Ramírez, and Daniel Siezar Cárdenas. All of them are pastors, religious leaders, or directly linked to the evangelical alliance.
For example, Mora is an evangelical pastor and community leader; she is also the wife of Juan Luis Calvo Calderón, who was president of the Evangelical Federation of Costa Rica. In her resume, the lawyer states that “her life has been guided by three fundamental pillars: service, justice, and faith in God.”
Meanwhile, Gerardo Bogantes is vice president of the National Front for Life, an organization that seeks to completely prohibit abortion in Costa Rica. Furthermore, he is a co-founder of the Amor 360 Foundation, focused on rescuing children and youth.
Many Lawyers
Regarding professions, the new Legislature stands out for having at least 21 legislators who are lawyers, representing almost half.
In this case, the largest number of legal experts are found in the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN) and PPSO caucuses.
There is a TikToker and a communications professional with film studies; in addition to several people without professional degrees.
Finally, the new Legislature will only have three returning legislators: José María Villalta and Edgardo Araya, from the Frente Amplio (FA), and Gonzalo Ramírez, from PPSO. Legislators are elected for four years, with no consecutive re-election permitted.
However, this does not mean there is a lack of legislative experience, since at least nine legislators have served as advisors and will now be legislators: Vianey Mora and María Eugenia Román, from the FA; and Gerardo Bogantes and Nogui Acosta, from PPSO.
Q COSTARICA — On Thursday, April 30, legislator, leader of the Partido Neuva Republica and perennial presidential candidate, Fabricio Alvarado, fled Costa Rica.
His departure was confirmed by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) — Costa Rica’s Immigration service.
Videos and photos of the politician at Tocumen airport in Panama, apparently waiting for a flight to Argentina, have gone viral.
Images from Crhoy.com
Alvarado, who has been at the center of controversy due to allegations of sexual harassment and assault by former legislator Marulin Azofeifa, lost his parliamentary immunity, a privilege enjoyed by members of the highest branches of government today, on May 1.
Immunity essentially protects the legislature, ministers, and the president of Costa Rica, among other officials, from any criminal charges while they are public officials.
This week, the Legislative Assembly concluded its 2022-2026 session, attempting to review the three reports from the investigative commission that analyzed Azofeifa’s allegations. However, the assembly failed twice in its attempts to censure Alvarado, as it did not obtain the 38 votes necessary to convene the session.
Legislators aligned with Rodrigo Chaves of the Partido Progreso Social, legislators from the Partido Nueva Republica, the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana, and some independents boycotted the sessions.
Alvarado also faces another criminal complaint for similar incidents, which is already under investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.
Is Rodrigo Chaves next?
President Rodrigo Chaves might be the next name on the list losing immunity, which happens on May 8.
Is he going to run out of Costa Rica? Probably not.
Chances are he’ll land a top spot in Laura Fernández’s incoming government.
Fernández, the president-elect, is expected to announce her ministerial picks just days before her inauguration next Friday — likely on May 5. That’s when we’ll find out if Chaves stays on in some role.
On Wednesday, Fernández hinted she’s almost done making her decisions, saying she’s 99% certain — but didn’t say which spot is still open or who might take it.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves is currently entangled in a complex web of legal troubles.
He has at least 50 criminal cases lined up with the Attorney General’s Office, with around 40 still active.
Here’s a breakdown of the most significant accusations and legal actions against him:
Extortion stands out as a major charge, filed on April 7, 2025, by the Costa Rican Judiciary. This case also involves the Minister of Culture, Rodríguez Vives, and centers on alleged irregularities in a contract with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).
In June 2025, Chaves and six close associates faced a second criminal indictment, this time over suspected illegal campaign financing linked to his election efforts.
In December 2025, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) pushed the Legislative Assembly to strip the president of his immunity. This move follows accusations of political belligerence, based on 15 complaints out of 24 lodged by various political figures.
The Judicial Branch Workers’ Union (Sitrajud) has also filed a complaint accusing Chaves of publicly inciting attacks against the judiciary, specifically targeting the Supreme Court President, Orlando Aguirre.
Other recent allegations include abuse of authority, breach of duty, and embezzlement—charges that add to the growing list against him.
Beyond these, investigations are also looking into alleged breach of duty, influence peddling, illegal appointments, and prevarication.
If Chaves is not offered or does not accept a role in the upcoming government, he could face these and additional criminal proceedings related to his time in office.
Q24N — The dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has crossed a new “red line” that threatens U.S. national security by turning Nicaragua into Russia’s main military platform in Latin America.
This goes beyond the 2022 authorized entry of Russian troops, ships, and aircraft for training, humanitarian, and law enforcement purposes. Regional observers and opposition leaders claim Nicaragua has effectively been converted into a “Russian military base” due to the depth of Kremlin control over specific facilities such as the Mokorón Military Base (Unit 502), located south of Managua, widely identified as a sophisticated Russian espionage and SIGINT (signals intelligence) center.
The GLONASS Satellite Station. Inaugurated in 2017 near Nejapa, in southeast Managua, this facility for Russia’s Global Navigation Satellite System is officially for civilian use but is frequently cited by international experts as a cover for intelligence gathering.
The document, originally signed on September 22, 2025, in Moscow by Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Nicaraguan Army Chief General Julio César Avilés, establishes the legal framework for defining the objectives, areas, and modalities of bilateral military cooperation.
Among the main lines of work contemplated are “the exchange of information on matters of mutual interest in defense, coordination to confront common threats to regional and global security, the joint fight against international terrorism, extremism, and piracy, and the exchange of experiences and joint force training.”
Protecting Russian Military Personnel
Furthermore, the agreement includes provisions to protect the legal interests of Russian military personnel serving on missions in Nicaraguan territory.
In recent years, Nicaragua has consolidated its position as one of Russia’s closest allies in Latin America. Nicaragua has publicly supported Russia’s positions on the international stage, such as the recognition of the annexation of Ukrainian territories and the separatist regions of Georgia.
With this ratification—which completes the parliamentary process following prior approval—both governments seek to stabilize and ensure the continuity of their relationship in the defense sector, amidst growing geopolitical tensions worldwide.
This new measure will take effect once it is officially published through Russian legal channels.
Mokorón Hill in Managua has gone from being a green lung and military base to becoming a sophisticated Russian espionage center to which Nicaraguan officials have no access. LA PRENSA/ARCHIVE
The US has warned about the Russian military presence in Nicaragua
The United States government has warned about the presence of Russian military personnel in Nicaragua and has described this military collaboration as a threat to its security.
“Russia continues to project maritime power in the Western Hemisphere by deploying a variety of warships, from submarines to destroyers and collection vessels, in Nicaragua and other countries in the region,” said General Francis Donovan, head of the US Southern Command, last March.
Likewise, U.S. intelligence agencies have warned about the Russian presence in several countries in the region, including Nicaragua.
A report, called the Annual Threat Assessment, by the U.S. Intelligence Community, comprised of 17 agencies and organizations, including the CIA, the FBI, and military intelligence services, recently addressed the Nicaraguan case.
“China, Russia, and Iran seek to maintain their economic, political, and military engagement with Latin America, which could conflict with U.S. interests in the region. Chinese demand for raw materials is likely to drive further economic expansion into Latin America, while Russia is likely to expand its existing diplomatic and security ties with Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela,” states the document, which projects to 2026.
Translated and adapted from reports at Nicaraguainvestiga.com, 100noticias.tv, and Laprensani.com.
Edificio principal del Banco Nacional de Costa Rica en San José, visto el 15 de octubre de 2024. Créditos: Luis Madrigal/Delfino.cr (CC BY-SA)
Q COSTARICA — Banco Nacional (BN) customers with less than ¢25,000 colones in their savings accounts will be penalized with a monthly fee of approximately ¢2,500 colones.
This is a common practice in private banking and is primarily used for managing bank accounts.
Customers under 25, senior citizens, social assistance recipients, and those who have their payroll deposited with Banco Nacional will be exempt from this measure.
Furthermore, if a customer uses their debit card for more than ¢25,000 colones per month, the fee will not apply.
The measure will apply to savings, electronic, and checking accounts and will take effect on May 20, and not May 1 as was earlier stated.
“Most customers can use their BN Account without charge by maintaining the balance at the end of the month, adding up the accounts, envelopes and programmed savings, or by using their BN Debit Card for an amount greater than ¢25,000 per month,” the national bank explained.
Q COSTARICA — Only one former president, Miguel Angel Rodriguez, has confirmed his attendance at the transfer of powers next week. At this time, of the other seven, four have said they will sit this one out, and the others are unlikely to participate.
Rafael Ángel Calderón (1990-1994), Abel Pacheco (2002-2006), Luis Guillermo Solís (2014-2018), and Carlos Alvarado (2018-2022) have already announced they will not participate in the official ceremony convened by the Protocol Department of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica on April 23.
“We will not attend. The president-elect clearly stated that she did not want the former presidents there, so we respect her decision,” Calderón told La Nacion.
“Due to work commitments abroad, I have excused myself from participating in the transfer of power ceremony. I appreciate the invitation. I take this opportunity to wish President Laura Fernández every success. May everything go well for Ms. Laura and for our Costa Rica,” Alvarado wrote in X.
Solís’s decision is linked to statements attributed to the president-elect related to the handling of invitations, which generated interpretations about possible exclusions.
Fernández previously stated that she had no reason to extend a special invitation to the former presidents.
“Although fully aware of the significance of the ceremony and sharing its meaning, the statements to the media by President-elect Laura Fernández, to the effect that she would not invite the former presidents of the invitations extended to the ceremony, fuel an unfortunate polarization that undermines the spirit of concord that should characterize this solemn event. This, coupled with the fact that it would damage the country’s image before the distinguished invited delegations, is why, on behalf of my partner, former First Lady Mercedes Peñas, and myself, we decline the invitation that was extended to us so kindly,” Solís stated.
Abel Pacheco indicated that his absence is due to his age.
“I’m not going to attend. There isn’t just one reason, there are 92. I’m 92 years old now, and I don’t leave the house anymore. I wish our president the best of luck, my best wishes, but I no longer have any social or political activities,” Abel Pacehco stated.
Former two-time president Óscar Arias indicated that he will not attend because he considers the presence of former presidents to be unusual.
“I believe that is not a tradition, it is not a custom in Costa Rica,” Arias stated.
Likewise, it is unlikely that José María Figueres and Laura Chinchilla will participate, since they were criticized on several occasions by the outgoing president, Rodrigo Chaves, during his term.
Neither Figueres nor Chinchilla has given a public response to media outlets.
On Friday, May 8, Laura Fernández will be sworn in as the 50th president in Costa Rican history. The transfer of power that will take place at the National Stadium, starting at 11:00 a.m. is open to any Costa Rican who wishes to attend.
If you wish to attend, you must request your ticket in advance, as otherwise you will not be able to participate in this “democratic celebration.” To do so, you must visit kuikpei.com. You will only be able to purchase up to three tickets.
Q COSTARICA — Unlike other countries, in Costa Rica, there is no legally mandated age limit for ceasing to drive, so the decision rests with the driver and their family.
It is important to emphasize that seniors or their family members who notice any signs that indicate it’s time to consider stopping driving can request a medical evaluation. Some of the signs include:
Confusion while driving
Vehicle damage
Passenger discomfort
Decreased motor skills
Loss of vision or hearing
Other factors to consider is their physical and mental health, as diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other chronic conditions can significantly affect the ability to drive. Also to be considered are energy levels, as fatigue can increase the risk of accidents.
Since there is no age limit, you can renew your driver’s license at any age. However, a medical examination is required to certify that you are fit to drive. This examination is a must for all renewals and is not dependent on the driver’s age.
Whether you get to keep driving comes down to the mandatory medical exam for all renewals, according to the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) —Ministry of Public Works and Transportation.
To renew a driver’s license, there are a few key requirements:
Identity document: Physical ID, valid and in good condition, like your cédula if you’re a Costa Rican, a Dimex (resident) card or SR (Residency/Services Application) number in process with immigration if you are a foreigner, or a diplomatic ID.
Digital medical certificate (dictamen médico): Must be valid (6 months from issue date).
No outstanding fines: You must have paid any previous traffic violations. You can check your violations on the COSEVI Online Services portal.
Renewal fee: The standard cost is ¢10,000 payable at the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR). However, if you have 4 or fewer points accumulated, you only need to pay 50% (¢5,000), and your license will be valid for up to 6 years. The bank fee is ¢2,000.
Driver’s licenses can be renewed up to three months before expiration.
Notes on renewing your license
The process begins with an appointment (cita previa) for free on the BCR website, calling 800-BCRCITA (800-227-2482), or via the BCR Mobile App.
Before arriving at the scheduled appointment at the chosen BCR location, it is important to have completed the digital medical exam registered in the SEDIMEC system. Physical certificates are no longer issued. Certificates issued by the CCSS (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) are not accepted.
If you need to obtain more than one type of license: A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, B4 (motorcycles, light vehicles, and heavy vehicles), you must make an appointment for each procedure.
The license is issued on the same day as the appointment.
If you have undergone a naturalization process or a change in your identification, first go to the nearest regional Educación Vial (Road Safety Education) office to update your driver’s record, otherwise your procedure may not be carried out.
Being on time for your appointment is important. In fact, the BCR asks you to be 10 minutes early. If you arrive late, you will have to reschedule.
All in all, it’s no longer a complicated deal as long as you come prepared, meaning you’ve taken care of any fines, your medical exam is up to date, and you’ve paid the renewal and bank fees. Just don’t wait until the last minute.
Q COSTARICA — Protecting their own? Once again, the entire Partido Nueva Republica (PNR) caucus, the Chavista legislators from the Partido Progreso Social (PPSO), several legislators from the PUSC coalition, and some independents failed to appear in Congress for Tuesday’s session.
Thus, the 2022-2026 Legislative Assembly adjourned the afternoon without a quorum, adding another disgraceful legislative act to its lackluster performance.
With only 35 legislators present, 3 short of the minimum of 38 required, a quorum was not reached. Therefore, Congress could not discuss or vote on the three legislative reports prepared by a special commission regarding an alleged case of sexual abuse and harassment by presidential candidate, legislator, and leader of the Nueva Republica, Fabricio Alvarado.
The case brought forward by former legislator Marolin Azofeifa (2018-2022), and legislative advisor, is now buried in the Legislative Assembly, and it will be up to the complainant to pursue legal action.
Seven legislators requested leave for Tuesday: Pilar Cisneros and Paola Nájera, from the PPSO, as well as María Marta Carballo, Melina Ajoy, and Carlos Andrés Robles, from the PUSC, and Rosalía Brown, from the PNR.
Even though the 2022-2026 legislators officially end their term on April 30, Congress agreed to wrap up with the last session on Tuesday, April 28.
The case
A legislative report issued by the Special Commission that investigated Alvarado concluded that legislator Fabricio Alvarado engaged in a repeated pattern of non-consensual conduct, including forcing himself on former legislator Marulin Azofeifa to undress.
The document, signed by legislator Johana Obando, maintains that the incidents were not isolated but rather occurred continuously, within a context of close professional relationships and a power imbalance.
The document includes witness statements that point to the existence of this pattern. One of them, former advisor Guido Campos, stated that the incidents occurred at least twice a month. He added that he saw Azofeifa leaving the office visibly distressed. He even recounted an episode in which he saw her with her blouse unbuttoned after a meeting with the legislator.
President-elect Laura Fernández
On Monday, president-elect Laura Fernández distanced herself from the legislative investigation against Fabricio Alvarado for alleged sexual harassment.
Fernández and Alavardo faced each other during the 2026 presidential debates
Her stance is significant because she herself denounced alleged mistreatment by Alvarado during the last election campaign, while she worked in his office.
“On behalf of the women of Costa Rica, I must raise my voice, because when I was an advisor, like many others, I was harassed by this man—past comments, photographs, and, what is worse, he used the name of God.
“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,” she said during the Radio Columbia debate earlier this year.
“What I said during the campaign, I said as a personal experience I had with that man. In my case, I never filed a formal complaint because I didn’t think it warranted escalating to that level, and I was able to stop it myself. So, I haven’t been directly involved in this matter. Let the Legislative Assembly, based on its analysis, make the decisions that are legally appropriate,” she stated on Monday.
Q COSTARICA — The Rincón de la Vieja volcano, located in Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, registered a moderate eruption early yesterday morning, classified as the most energetic so far in 2026.
The event occurred at 3:03 a.m., Monday, April 27, according to data from the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of the National University (OVSICORI-UNA).
The activity was detected through seismic and acoustic recordings. The report indicates that it was not possible to determine the height of the eruptive plume.
Authorities stated that despite the event’s intensity, no lahars or volcanic debris flows were generated.
“A moderate eruption was recorded at the Rincón de la Vieja volcano. This eruption did not generate lahars; however, it is the most energetic since January 2026,” OVSICORI indicated.
The report also detailed that the wind is blowing from the southwest and that the volcano’s activity level remains at an alert level.
The Rincón de la Vieja volcano is famous for its intense geothermal activity with fumaroles, boiling mud pots and craters, including the active Von Seebach volcanic vent
Q COSTARICA — The appreciation of the colón has resulted from an abundance of U.S. dollars, associated with foreign companies’ influx of foreign currency and a monetary policy that is more restrictive than necessary, according to Rodrigo Cubero, economist and former president of the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) — Central Bank.
During a talk at Fidélitas University, Cubero pointed out that this situation “has made the country more expensive and has affected sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and services.”
Looking ahead, he believes the exchange rate could stabilize and, eventually, show a slight depreciation within a narrow band, driven by factors such as rising oil prices, lower external resource inflows, and the potential effects of U.S. economic policy.
However, he warned that downward pressure will continue to be exerted, such as the constant inflow of foreign currency and the preference for a low exchange rate.
Just days ago, president-elect Laura Fernández stated that the exchange rate situation is “a structural issue”, resulting from foreign investment, tourism, and exports.
“Our economy has changed. The Costa Rican economy now has a steady flow of dollars, not seasonally as was the case before, during peak tourist season. Now we have dollars every month, and even companies that pay salaries in dollars,” Fernández stated.
For everyday Costa Ricans, a stronger colon means their purchasing power is improving, especially for imported goods and services priced in U.S. dollars.
However, exporters face tighter margins as their earnings convert to fewer colones and are concerned that a stronger colón could make their products less competitive abroad.
For this Wednesday, the exchange rate of the dollar in Monex of the Central Bank is ¢455, while the reference value is ¢452.37 for buying and ¢457.23 for selling.
On this day last year (April 29), the sell was ¢502.60 and buy ¢508.40. Just days before Rodrigo Chaves took office on April 29, 2022, the dollar was trading at ¢661.53 to buy and ¢669.34 to sell.
Q COSTARICA — The government of Costa Rica confirmed its invitation to the Nicaraguan regime, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, to attend the presidential inauguration ceremony on May 8, where Laura Fernández will assume the presidency.
The event will be attended by delegations from dozens of countries and international organizations, in an act intended to project diplomatic openness regardless of ideology.
Still, it’s doubtful that Ortega and Murillo will step outside the safety of El Carmen, their private residence that doubles as Nicaragua’s presidential palace, due to ongoing tensions with the U.S. government.
The website articulo66.com reported that while the White House hasn’t confirmed any connection between Ortega’s recent rhetoric and the attack, members of the Nicaraguan opposition are linking the attack to Daniel Ortega’s recent threats and calling for an investigation into a possible connection. Whether these claims gain traction in the next few days is still unclear.
Expected to attend are representatives of Nicaragua’s foreign ministry.
Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo André announced on Monday that delegations from 71 countries and 18 international organizations will attend the event, but cautioned that “for security reasons” he would not release the names of the members of those delegations.
He did say, however, that there will be “high-level” commissions from countries such as Spain, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, Chile, Panama, Israel, the Netherlands, Curaçao, and El Salvador.
RICO’s Q — Typically, I have slept through most earthquakes. But not last night, when a 5.3 magnitude earthquake shook most of Costa Rica.
The earthquake occurred on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 9:49 PM (local time), in central Costa Rica. The Red Sismológica Nacional (RSN) at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) reported the epicenter 2 km al Oeste de San Ignacio, Acosta (coordinates 9,806 & -84,184), at a depth of 64 km.
The Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico de Costa Rica (OVSICORI) of the Universidad Nacional (UNA) reported the quake as a 5.2 magnitude, with the epicenter 0.8 km al Sureste de PERPETUO SOCORRO, Cangrejal, Acosta, San Jose.
While it was felt strongly in the Central Valley (including San José, Heredia, and Alajuela) and in the Central Pacific, reports of the tremor came in from all over the country.
The earthquake caused alarm among the population due to its intensity, although no serious structural damage was immediately reported.
The vehicular restrictions are from 7:00pm to 5:00 m on weekends and from 10 pm to 5 am weekdays. Image for illustrative purposes
Q COSTARICA — As part of the national celebration of the Día de Trabajo or Día Internacional de los Trabajadores(Labor Day), the Policía de Transito (Traffic Police)announced the suspension of vehicle restrictions in San José for Friday, May 1.
The same will be applied on May 8, the day of the swearing-in of the new president, Laura Fernandez.
While this Friday is a national holiday, on Friday, May 8, only public sector employees will have the day off work, including elementary and high schools will be closed, thus significantly reducing traffic.
“The vehicle restriction measure that is usually applied on weekdays is unnecessary on these two dates and, instead, allows the Policia de Transito to focus on regulating traffic around the May 1st marches and in the vicinity of the Legislative Assembly, due to the change of representatives and the legislative leadership in the case of May 1st,” explained Martín Sánchez Agüero, director of the Policia de Transito.
Furthermore, it is expected that some people will take advantage of the break from work to leave the Central Valley and travel to the coasts and mountains. Therefore, some personnel will need to be reassigned to roadside assistance rather than the capital.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rican filmmaker Frayser Navarrette is moving forward with his new film, “Chicas Malas” (Bad Girls), which will be filmed in Costa Rica.
The project enters a new phase of production just a month after wrapping up filming for “Plan B,” shot in Mexico.
The film will bring together Mexican and Costa Rican talent, fostering a creative exchange between the two film industries.
Mexican actor Abraham Ramos stars in the story, which is marked by secrets, ambition, and manipulation among the characters.
The cast includes Karla Barahona and Alexandra Acosta, along with emerging talents such as Karolina Kapusta and Miranda Giaccarini.
The film is shaping up to be a suspenseful thriller with high dramatic conflict, intense twists, and a constant atmosphere of danger.
Navarrette directs and also stars in the film. He plays Carlos, a key character in the plot.
The story features complex characters, especially the female ones, caught in power dynamics, hidden agendas, and life-or-death decisions.
The story incorporates two female characters who add new emotional and dramatic layers to a narrative charged with tension.
The film maintains the theme of diversity that the director explored in “Somewhere,” renowned for its focus on a love story.
This time, the film presents a lesbian couple at the heart of the conflict, with two villains bound by desire and complicity.
The film combines love, sensuality, and malevolence in characters who develop within an environment of tension and darkness.
With this project, Navarrette is promoting a production that strengthens collaboration between Costa Rica and Mexico.
Filming will primarily take place in Cartago, solidifying the country as a location for international productions.
Q COSTARICA — In less than two weeks, president-elect Laura Fernández will be sworn in as the 50th president in Costa Rican history.
The transfer of power will take place at the National Stadium starting at 11:00 a.m., and passes are free to all who want to attend.
“The people of Costa Rica are the special guests of this grand event, and we have selected the best men and women to assist with all the logistics of this event, who are with us today,” said Freddy González, the event’s logistics manager.
Starting today, Tuesday, April 28, at noon, each person will have the opportunity to get up to three passes.
It is important to get your passes in advance at the kuikpei.com website. The process for acquiring the ticket is similar to buying tickets for soccer games and concerts.
Once the process is complete, you will receive a confirmation email, and your passes will be sent to you 48 hours before the event via the same email address.
The stands in the west, east, and south sections will available to the public. Each ticket will indicate your entrance.
Please note that attendees must have their faces visible and are not allowed to bring bottles, food, bags, lighters, weapons, fireworks, rechargeable batteries, noisy objects, or professional cameras.
There will be eight kiosks offering food and drinks, all free of charge, but supplies will be limited. In addition, there will be medical stations and mobile hospitals equipped to handle basic and emergency situations. Red Cross and Fire Department (Bomberos) personnel will be on hand.
Authorities announced that those wishing to attend can contact 8788-3551 via WhatsApp to arrange bus transportation. Train service will also be operating that day with special schedules from Cartago, Heredia, and Alajuela to La Sabana station during the morning and afternoon.
The organizing committee indicated that vehicular access to the stadium will be restricted exclusively to buses and authorized vehicles. For the general public, more than 300 buses have been made available, departing from various points throughout the country.
A Big Surprise
On Monday, Casa Presidencial announced the surprise it has been preparing for everyone attending the presidential inauguration.
The gates of the National Stadium will open at 8:00 a.m. so people can arrive early and settle in.
Around 9:00 a.m., cultural activities will begin, featuring 10 marching bands performing for the attendees.
At 11:00 a.m., the formal session will begin, during which Laura Fernández will assume the presidency of the Republic. Following the ceremony, the first cabinet meeting of the new administration will be held.
Q COSTARICA — Cannabis use in Costa Rica increased by 2.2% over seven years, although recreational use remains officially prohibited.
While medical cannabis in Costa Rica was legalized in 2022, recreational consumption, such as purchasing it on the street, smoking, or consuming cannabis in public, including beaches, parks, and restaurants, is illegal and can lead to confiscation or arrest.
This, according to research conducted by the Carrera de Ciencias Policiales de la Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) — Science program at the National Distance Learning University, which analyzed consumption patterns between 2015 and 2022.
The study determined that 19.9% of the population in Costa Rica has used cannabis at some point in their lives, and that 4.4% used it in the last month, demonstrating a sustained increase.
Furthermore, 73.7% of marijuana seizures involved minimal quantities of between 0.01 and 1 gram, reflecting that most police interventions are related to personal use and not to large-scale drug trafficking operations.
UNED researcher Roberto Salas Sánchez explained that the data show how criminalization ultimately affects consumers most of all, while the illegal market remains active.
Salas also elaborated on the study’s main findings and the need to rethink public policies regarding this substance.
The research also indicates that the 911 emergency system receives more than 2,000 calls per month related to drug incidents, representing an average of 74 reports per day.
The report concludes that prohibitionist measures have failed to curb access to or the spread of cannabis in Costa Rica, and therefore calls for a national debate focused on public health, harm reduction, and respect for human rights.
Current Legal Status (as of 2026)
Small Personal Amounts: While selling and purchasing are criminal acts, possession of small amounts of drugs for personal consumption is generally tolerated, and police often only confiscate the substance. However, as a tourist, this can still cause severe legal trouble and potential deportation.
Medical Use: Medical cannabis is legal and requires a local prescription/permit available at pharmacies, but tourists generally cannot obtain a local prescription, and foreign prescriptions are not recognized.
Recreational Use: Officially prohibited, but personal consumption of small amounts is generally decriminalized. This means it typically does not carry criminal penalties or jail time, though police can still confiscate the substance.
Commercial Activities: Buying, selling, cultivating for sale, and large-scale trafficking remain strictly illegal and are punishable by imprisonment (8 to 15 years).
Customs: Bringing marijuana products (including edibles and vapes) into Costa Rica is illegal and can lead to confiscation, fines, or denial of entry.
Note: The information provided here comes partly from AI and may include mistakes. For legal advice on cannabis in Costa Rica, consult a professional.
Q COSTARICA — In an environment where borrowing is part of everyday household life, a deeply ingrained perception persists: going into debt is synonymous with a bad financial decision.
However, experts warn that this idea is not only incomplete but can also lead to uninformed decisions.
Borrowing plays a significant role in the household economy, whether to face emergencies, cover needs, or finance assets. However, its impact depends directly on the purpose, the terms, and each person’s actual ability to pay.
Data from the Escuela de Estadística de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) — School of Statistics at the University of Costa Rica, shows that 42.2% of debt is concentrated in financial institutions, while 13.6% corresponds to cooperatives, confirming the weight of the formal system in access to financing.
“The problem isn’t debt itself, but how it’s used. It can be a useful tool or a risk factor, depending on whether the person understands its terms and whether the debt fits their financial reality,” explained Cindy Rivera, Financial Inclusion Manager at Coopenae-Wink.
Myths that continue to shape our relationship with debt
Breaking down myths surrounding debt is key to improving financial decision-making. In this context, having adequate financial education and access to specialized advice allows us not only to better understand debt but also to question beliefs that can generate unnecessary risks.
One of the main mistakes is assuming that all debt is negative. This perception can lead to avoiding the formal financial system or resorting to informal mechanisms, which involve higher costs, less transparency, and greater risks.
The idea also persists that if a financial institution approves a loan, the person can necessarily take it on. However, credit capacity doesn’t always reflect the full reality of a household or its total level of indebtedness.
Another common myth is that paying only the minimum amount on credit cards is a good practice. In practice, this habit can prolong debt and significantly increase its cost over time.
Between Opportunity and Risk
Debt can be a tool for well-being when it serves a clear purpose, such as buying a home or paying for education, and when it doesn’t compromise basic household expenses. However, it becomes a vulnerability when it’s used repeatedly to cover daily needs or when multiple obligations accumulate.
According to the UCR’s Economics Survey, 78.1% of people report having received information about interest rates when taking out a loan. However, gaps in financial understanding still exist, directly impacting decision-making.
“Talking about responsible borrowing isn’t about discouraging credit, but rather helping people use it wisely, with information, and with a focus on well-being. Financial education is what transforms credit into a useful tool. It allows people to understand costs, anticipate risks, and make more sustainable decisions,” Rivera added.
Furthermore, many people lack sufficient resources to cover unexpected expenses solely with income or savings, which explains why credit remains a frequent response to household emergencies.
Financial Education: More Than Just Information, a Tool for Well-being
Strengthening understanding of interest rates, repayment terms, total costs, and repayment capacity is key to avoiding over-indebtedness and making sustainable financial decisions. In this regard, access to clear information, practical tools, and specialized support allows people to develop stronger financial judgment and anticipate potential risks.
Coopenae-Wink reaffirms its commitment to financial education as part of its mission, promoting not only a better individual relationship with money but also collective well-being through more informed, responsible, and sustainable decisions.
Q COSTARICA — “In the presence of our Lord, President Rodrigo Chaves asserted that he would ‘give every effort I can, and that Laura Fernández allows me to,’ to reclaim the Judiciary from “the corrupt political elite of Costa Rica.”
With only days to the end of his mandate, it was during the inauguration of the Caño Negro bridge in El Castillo de Peñas Blancas, San Ramón, that Chaves delivered one of the strongest speeches he has given in his four years in office.
During his address, he asserted that it is possible to secure the 38 votes (super majority) required in the Legislative Assembly to “cleanse the Judiciary of its corruption.”
Starting May 1st, his government will lead the country with 31 pro-government legislators aligned with the political project led by Rodrigo Chaves and Laura Fernández as the new president on May 8.
“The important thing is that the people of Costa Rica have recovered both branches of government, the Legislative and the Executive; “Obviously, we are missing the Judiciary, and before you, and before the constant presence of our Lord, I swear that I will give every effort I can, and that Doña Laura will allow me, to also recover that power of the Republic (…) You took over the Legislative Assembly, you took over Zapote, and with God’s grace, of the 57 representatives you sent to Congress, you will find 38 patriots to finish cleaning up the last bastion of the corrupt political elites, to remove and cleanse the garbage from the Judiciary,” Chaves said.
Chaves’s words hint at the possibility that he will be in the government of Laura Fernández.
“The people are more united than ever, despite the fact that there are people who say that Pilar Cisneros and I burned bridges (…) If we hadn’t fought, I wouldn’t be able to look at myself in the mirror.”
“They instilled fear in us for the 38, some left with the lie that they (we) want to set up a dictatorship, what we wanted was to bring down the dictatorship and empower you, the owners of the homeland,” he said.
While there’s no official word yet, rumors suggest Chaves might take the role of Minister of the Presidency (Chief of Staff) in Laura Fernández’s government, who will be sworn in as Costa Rica’s 50th president on May 8.
Under Costa Rican law, certain high-ranking public officials—including the President and government ministers—enjoy immunity from prosecution while in office.
Thus, if Chaves, as a minister in the new government, would keep the same legal immunity he had as president against multiple challenges, including accusations of corruption and political belligerence, meaning it would take 38 votes in the Legislative Assembly to remove it and allow prosecution.
Q COSTARICA — Friday, May 1st, is Labor Day in Costa Rica, a mandatory paid holiday. The date cannot be moved and must be observed on that day, as established in Article 148 of the Labor Code.
Companies must guarantee compliance with labor regulations regarding payment and holiday leave.
The Labor Code stipulates that the day off must be granted, with exceptions in Articles 150 and 151, provided there is justification and prior notice.
Holiday pay varies depending on the type of compensation and the company’s economic activity.
In non-commercial activities paid hourly, employees must be paid their regular daily wage plus an additional day’s pay for the holiday.
If an employee works on May 1st, they are entitled to double pay for that day.
In commercial activities paid monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly, the salary already includes holiday pay.
If an employee works on that day, a regular daily wage must be added to complete the double pay.
Furthermore, overtime worked on the holiday must be paid at a rate of 50% above the regular hourly rate.
This holiday will allow many people to enjoy a long weekend (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) in 2026.
Closures
Here’s what to expect on May 1st:
Government and public offices will be shut down for the holiday.
Banks and a lot of private businesses will be closed.
Most professional offices, i.e., doctors, dentists, and lawyers, etc, will be closed. Call ahead if you have an appointment for that day.
Businesses focused on tourism—like attractions and tours—usually keep welcoming visitors.
Bus and other transport services tend to operate on a reduced holiday timetable.
The traffic restrictions of San José are lifted for the day.
Q COSTARICA — The removal of the toll booths at Rio Segundo, Alajuela, on the autopista General Cañas, east of the San José airport, is expected to begin tonight, Monday, April 27.
Toll collections stopped on September 1, 2025, but the toll booths remained.
Many have expressed concerns about the risks of traffic slowing down to get through the tight tollbooth lanes. What’s even more concerning is that some drivers might not realize the tolls aren’t active and could stop unexpectedly, leading to accidents.
It wasn’t until last week that Costa Rica’s president, Rodrigo Chaves, directed the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), led by Efraim Zeledón Leiva, to dismantle the toll booths.
From the perspective of this writer, as someone who drives that stretch of the autopista every day along with thousands of others, tearing them down should have been months ago. In fact, it ought to have been included from the moment the decision was made to stop charging tolls.
Nightly closures
The work will be carried out at night, from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am, with traffic in the San José-Alajuela direction suspended during those hours.
Complete closure of the San José-Alajuela will be at the Cervecería Costa Rica (Costa Rica Brewery, now Heineken) intersection, with traffic routed through Río Segundo, via route 3, to the Juan Santamaría International Airport intersection.
In the opposite direction, from Alajuela to San José, traffic flow will not be affected and will continue to operate normally.
Q COSTARICA — What has become the weekly custom, Costa Rica received the third group of deportees from the United States last Friday afternoon, comprised of 25 foreigners and three Costa Ricans.
The foreigners are of various nationalities: Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, Bolivia, China, India, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Romania.
This is the third consecutive week that Costa Rica has received migrants deported from the United States.
Of the deportees on previous flights, authorities report that 18 of the 47 previously received are currently participating in the assisted voluntary return program.
The remaining 29 people have diverse perspectives on their immigration status: some have stated they do not want to return to their countries of origin, others are waiting for further information before deciding, while a smaller group has already expressed their intention to return, although they have not yet begun the formal process.
The deportees received by Costa Rica are under a new and controversial “third country” migration agreement, part of the U.S. “Shield of the Americas” initiative, which involves the deportation of both Costa Rican citizens and foreign nationals (third-country nationals) who often have no prior personal connection to Costa Rica.
Under the agreement, the number of deportees is limited to 25, though Costa Rica can choose more, and the government reserves the right to deny entry and has declared it will not admit anyone who is proven to face persecution in their home country.
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, deportees may decide to go back to their home countries, while others who feel unsafe may seek refugee status in Costa Rica. Instead of detention centers, deportees are staying in hotels funded by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“Costa Rica would allow people to return to their country voluntarily or seek refugee status if they fear persecution,” says Omer Badilla, director-general of Costa Rica Immigration, the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).
The first group of deportees arrived on April 11, with additional flights on April 16 and 25.
Q COSTARICA — The United States and Canadian embassies updated their travel advisories and raised concerns about safety in Costa Rica. Both countries agree that risks for tourists remain, especially in downtown San José.
One of the most highlighted areas is the zone between San Juan de Dios Hospital, the Central Market (Mercado Central), and the “Coca Cola” market, where visitors are exposed to crimes such as robberies, muggings, cell phone thefts, and scams.
This area of the capital not only sees a high volume of pedestrian traffic, but also serves as a key bus stop for routes to the Pacific coast and the northern part of the country. This forces many tourists to travel through the area, even at night.
According to warnings, this situation increases the vulnerability of visitors, who must travel during times considered to be of higher risk.
Canada maintains – Exercise a high degree of caution
The Canadian Embassy identified specific areas, such as the “Coca Cola” and “Paso de la Vaca” markets as hotspots where criminals often operate in groups to distract and rob people.
The embassy website warns that thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions.
Thefts commonly occur:
In popular tourist areas, including viewpoints
On buses, on trains, in bus and train stations, as well as in airport terminals
and in hotel lobbies
At restaurants, including on patios located near streets.
This level reflects that, despite the country’s tourist reputation, security problems persist and have not shown significant improvement in recent months.
Warnings About Tourist Destinations
The warnings are not limited to downtown San José. In Costa Rica’s Pacific region, international authorities have urged extreme caution in areas such as:
Dominical
Jacó
The area near the Tárcoles River (Crocodile bridge)
Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos
Cóbano Beaches, including the small seaside towns of Mal País, Montezuma and Santa Teresa, as well as the port of Puntarenas
On the Caribbean coast, the following areas are of particular concern for theft: Cahuita, Puerto Limón, and Puerto Viejo.
These areas, although popular with tourists, present risks associated with theft and crime.
A close up of a laptop screen that reads Online Banking with password sign in, as a hand holds a smartphone with an app displayed
Q COSTARICA — A lot of people in Costa Rica have had their online banking accounts hacked and money stolen and with banks, even when the evidence is clrar, often refusing or dealying to return the stolen funds to the user. That is no long the case.
The law passed by the Legislative Assembly came into effect on Wedneday with its publication in the official newspaper La Gaceta. The law boosts protections for financial system users and holds banks accountable for fraud, even if the financial institution itself isn’t directly at fault.
The legislation (Ley 10.889) amends the Ley de Promoción de la Competencia y Defensa Efectiva del Consumidor (Law for the Promotion of Competition and Effective Consumer Protection) to incorporate a specific regime applicable to supervised public and private financial institutions.
The law stipulates that financial institutions must be held liable for damages caused to users when money or assets are stolen from their accounts by unauthorized third parties, regardless of fault.
The provision covers any mechanism used to commit fraud, including electronic scams, unauthorized transfers, or security breaches.
Complaint Procedure
The law establishes a detailed procedure for affected individuals to file their complaints. Users must file their complaint with the financial institution within 30 calendar days of the incident and submit a report to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
The institutions must provide simple and accessible forms for receiving these complaints and guarantee permanent customer service channels, both in person and digitally.
Once a complaint is filed, the bank will have 30 calendar days to investigate the case and issue a resolution. This period may be extended once for up to ten additional business days, provided the user is notified beforehand.
During the investigation, the institution must demonstrate that it complies with the security standards required by the (Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras (SUGEF) — General Superintendency of Financial Entities, and that its systems have not been compromised.
Among the elements that must be analyzed are customer behavior patterns, devices used, connection networks, authentication methods, and any indication of atypical or suspicious activity.
Conditions for rejecting complaints
The law allows financial institutions to reject a complaint only when they can prove specific situations, such as the existence of self-fraud, intent to defraud by the user, or transfers made between accounts belonging to the same person.
In these cases, the bank must submit a report with technical evidence to both the OIJ and SUGEF. This latter institution will have ten business days to validate whether the bank’s decision complies with regulations and is supported by sufficient evidence.
If SUGEF does not uphold the denial, the bank must return the funds to the user within a maximum of ten business days. If SUGEF confirms the denial, the affected person may pursue legal action.
Restitution of Funds and Immediate Measures
When the claim is deemed valid, the bank must reimburse the stolen money within a maximum of ten calendar days. Furthermore, it must eliminate any interest charges or fees associated with the fraud and return the amounts already collected along with the corresponding interest.
The regulations also require banks to immediately block the financial products or services involved upon receiving the claim, as well as issue a receipt with the date and time of the action.
Likewise, the banks must offer alternatives so that the user can continue operating while the case is being resolved.
In cases where new unauthorized transactions occur after the claim is filed, the financial institution will be held directly responsible.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The text establishes consequences for entities that fail to comply with deadlines or procedures. If the bank resolves the claim outside the established timeframe, it must pay the user compensation equivalent to one base salary.
Furthermore, if 120 calendar days pass without the entity issuing a resolution, it will lose the right to reject the claim and will be obligated to return the funds.
Changes in the Burden of Proof
One of the most significant changes introduced by the law is the reversal of the burden of proof in favor of consumers. This means that, in cases of electronic fraud and financial disputes, the entity will be responsible for demonstrating that it acted correctly and that the damage is not attributable to it.
This rule will apply in both administrative and judicial proceedings.
The regulations also impose new responsibilities on SUGEF and the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) — Central Bank.
SUGEF must issue and update, at least annually, regulations aimed at preventing and reducing cyber fraud, incorporating international security standards. For its part, the Central Bank must strengthen security mechanisms on its payment platforms and collaborate in the prevention and investigation of these crimes.
Financial institutions must also implement protocols for immediate assistance to fraud victims, train their staff, and provide users with regular information on security measures.
The law also criminalizes self-fraud, defined as the simulation of a scam to obtain financial gain. Those who engage in this conduct will face penalties ranging from two months to ten years in prison, depending on the amount defrauded.
The regulations took effect on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and establish transitional periods for financial institutions and the SUGEF to adapt their procedures and regulations. These include a maximum of six months to implement victim assistance protocols and update the corresponding technical regulations.
RICO’s Q (The Economist) Calimero, a chick covered in soot who is no longer recognized by his mother, was hatched in an animated advertisement on Italian television in 1963. Ever since he has been moaning about his fate: “Everyone has it in for me because I’m small and black.”
Notwithstanding complaints over the racial overtones, he has spread far beyond Italy in a string of cartoon series, the latest launched in 2013. In some countries, a sense of powerless victimhood has come to be known as a Calimero complex.
The term has been applied to France’s perennially aggrieved farmers.
The Dutch, a small nation caught between bigger ones, say a Calimero complex explains their sense that they lack influence over international affairs. And in his recent book “Il complesso di Calimero”, Marco Del Panta, a former Italian diplomat, says his country too views itself as resembling the woebegone chick.
The Italians’ sense of helplessness was on full show after their national football side was kicked out of the World Cup by tiny Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 31st. But it is rather odd. Italy is the European Union’s third-largest member. It has a bigger economy than Russia and more active-duty soldiers than Britain. Yet its lack of confidence, says Del Panta, has led Italy to evolve “a tradition of not taking a firm stance in foreign policy, but of trying to please everyone and be friends with everyone”.
Nathalie Tocci, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University, recalls that when she was advising the Italian foreign ministry, officials would wait to see other EU members’ positions before giving the minister a range of options. The aim was to find one close to the middle. “We hate taking sides,” she says. As a result, “I think that we have always punched below our weight.”
The upshot is that Italy is rarely among those who decide Europe’s affairs. Sir Ivor Roberts, Britain’s envoy in Rome in 2003-06, recalls with a shudder Tony Blair’s enthusiasm for having the EU’s key decisions taken by Britain, Germany and France. “It caused more tension than any other single issue,” he says. Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s then-prime minister, “felt like a jilted lover”.
The roots of Italy’s approach to foreign policy lie deep in history. They stretch back to a time when the south was ruled by foreigners and the north was a patchwork of fragile mini-states, vulnerable to attack by the Holy Roman Empire (their nominal protector) or by the emerging nations of Spain and France.
“O Franza, O Spagna, purché se magna” (France or Spain, who cares so long as we eat?”) runs a popular saying in Naples:
Dukes and princes stayed independent by hedging their bets, secretly negotiating with enemies and casually betraying allies. Duke Ludovico Sforza of Milan invited the French in as a counterweight to the King of Naples, but when they became too assertive, he threw in his lot with an alliance including Venice and the Empire. He later dumped Venice for Florence, fell victim to a second French invasion, and ended his days in a castle dungeon on the Loire.
More recently, Italy managed to emerge on the winning team in both world wars by changing sides. But the destruction and humiliation it suffered in the second left an enduring distaste for international protagonism. Like Japan and Germany, post-war Italy was content to become an economic heavyweight and a diplomatic featherweight. Still, the other former Axis powers have become more assertive of late. Could the same happen with Italy?
Perhaps
In late March, Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister, did something uncharacteristically bold.
Informed by the Americans that some of their bombers, heading for the Middle East, intended to touch down at an airfield in Sicily, her government refused them permission.
The move was hardly reckless: under the agreement governing access to the base, American forces must ask consent to use it for anything but routine purposes, and Parliament should be consulted. Italy did not deny America the use of its airspace, as Spain has. It could even be seen as a typical Italian compromise. Mark Rutte, the NATO chief, flatters Donald Trump cravenly; Pedro Sánchez, Spain’s prime minister, is harshly critical. Italy’s “not in this case” put it smack in the middle.
Even so, it was telling. Until last month, it had seemed as though the middle Meloni was seeking lay not in Europe but somewhere west of the Azores. The prime minister hails from the MAGA-aligned populist right, but has governed as a good European. She has played Trump-whisperer for the EU and even signed Italy up to his Board of Peace as an observer, all while backing Ukraine, respecting the bloc’s fiscal restraints and ditching the Eurosceptic rhetoric she once spouted.
La donna è mobile
Many in Brussels feared that if pushed to choose, Meloni would side with Washington. But of late, she has learned the hard way that schmoozing Trump carries big risks for European leaders.
In a referendum last month, a majority of Italian voters rejected her proposed reforms to the judiciary. It is impossible to know what tipped the balance, but the reform had become a test of her popularity.
What with Trump’s tariffs squeezing Italian industry and agriculture, his threats to seize Greenland, and his belittling of NATO’s military contribution in Afghanistan (including Italy’s), Meloni’s closeness to the American president surely did not help.
Small wonder she is now edging away from him.
She may be learning that sometimes choosing sides is unavoidable.
Surprisingly perhaps, that was also the view of her country’s greatest political thinker. Far from endorsing the endless tactical agility with which his name is often associated, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote that a prince was respected “when he is either a true friend or a downright enemy; that is to say, when, without any reservation, he declares himself in favour of one party against the other.”
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica is charging ahead on electric mobility. The rapid growth of electric vehicles in Costa Rica is increasing the pressure on the electrical grid.
As a result, the country faces the challenge of expanding its charging and storage infrastructure to support a transition that is progressing faster than installed capacity.
This scenario is explained by the increasing use of electricity in more activities and the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Consequently, energy demand is increasing, highlighting the need to better prepare the grid for what’s to come.
Between December 2020 and September 2024, the electric vehicle fleet grew by 507%, positioning the country as a regional leader, but also underscoring the need to accelerate infrastructure development to make this progress sustainable.
Globally, this trend reinforces the challenge. By 2024, public charging stations surpassed 5 million, having added more than 1.3 million in a single year, while ultra-fast charging systems grew by more than 50%, reflecting an accelerated transformation in energy consumption.
In Costa Rica, Law 9518 Incentivos y Promoción Para el Transporte Eléctrico (Incentives and Promotion for Electric Transport) establishes parameters for the deployment of charging stations, including minimum distances on national and cantonal highways, and maintains the promotion of electric transportation as a public policy. However, the challenge goes beyond regulatory compliance.
The pressure on the grid and the need to guarantee operational continuity are driving the incorporation of energy storage, which is key to managing demand and providing backup power during critical times.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global battery capacity reached 124 GW in 2024, while project costs fell by approximately 40%.
Hugo Mejías, commercial manager of BC Ingeniería, said the focus should be on system capacity: “The conversation can no longer center solely on how many electric cars are on the road, but rather on how prepared the infrastructure is to support this transition. Chargers and storage are not a luxury; they are part of the new energy security.”
The challenge could intensify; in fact, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) warned that Costa Rica’s electricity demand could quadruple by 2050, increasing the urgency of expanding the grid.
“If the charging network isn’t expanded and energy storage isn’t integrated, the growth of electric mobility could outpace the system’s capacity,” Mejías concluded.
