Q COSTARICA — Difficulties covering basic expenses affected a significant portion of the population in Costa Rica during the past year. The 2025 Current Affairs Survey by the University of Costa Rica (UCR) reveals that 24.7% of households experienced financial difficulties in meeting their needs over the last 12 months.
Within this group, 64.7% had to resort to a loan to cover these expenses, confirming that many families depend on debt to meet essential needs.
The situation hits women harder, who report a higher incidence of both insufficient money and the need to take on debt.
Educational level also reveals a significant gap. Lack of liquidity affects 31.1% of those with only a primary education, compared to just 9% of those with a university degree.
Regarding how people would make financial decisions in certain situations, the study presented the scenario of what would happen to food and utility expenses if a household received an additional ¢500,000 colones.
The majority of people responded that they would remain the same (68.8%). However, 9.4% said they would increase expenses, while 21.8% indicated they would reduce or adjust them. These variations depend on the household’s level of education and perceived income.
Conversely, faced with an emergency involving an unexpected expense of ¢500,000 colones, almost half of the people (47.4%) indicated they would have to take out a loan to cover it.
Only 33.8% stated they could pay it with their own income or savings, while 4.6% acknowledged they simply could not. The remainder mentioned options such as selling assets, combining several alternatives, or cutting other expenses.
Among those who would resort to a loan, the majority would ask a family member or friend (62.5%), while 25% would go to a bank. The pattern differs by gender: borrowing from a family member is more accessible for women, while men more frequently mention formal banking as an option.
The results show that a significant portion of households operate with very tight margins of financing.
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) concludes that these responses demonstrate a fragile balance in the household economy, where any change in income or expenses can force families to resort to loans and family support to sustain daily life.
Q COSTARICA — The export sector reaffirmed its importance to the Costa Rican economy last week, with the Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters (Cadexco) sharing statistics for the end of 2025, showing an increase of nearly 16% compared to the previous year.
Overall exports reached US$22.9 billion in goods and US$11.97 billion in services.
By product, medical devices are leading the way in Costa Rican exports.
According to Cadexco, the top international sales by sector are as follows:
Precision and medical equipment: US$9.199 billion, a 30% increase
Agriculture: US3.081 billion
Food: US$2.249 billion
Chemical-pharmaceutical: US$976 million
Electrical and electronics: US$922 million
Other: US$899 million
Metalworking: US$610 million
Livestock and fishing: US$362 million
Rubber: US$274 million
The United States remains the primary export market. It is followed by Europe, Asia, and Central America. Further down the list are the Caribbean and South America, the only destination experiencing a decline this year.
By segment, free trade zones continue to be crucial for exports, with a 16% growth. The definitive regime, meanwhile, grew by 4%.
A Year of Challenges for Exporters
Victor Pérez, president of Cadexco, emphasized that the sector is maintaining its productivity but faces significant challenges.
He points out that they are a “resilient and resilient sector, but above all, pragmatic and with a long-term vision.”
The representative detailed challenges related to tariffs, security, and, especially, the exchange rate.
In this regard, the export sector is focusing on various aspects, including the monetary policy rate.
He also emphasizes the need for legal reforms, such as the proposed 4-3 work schedule law.
To this, exporters add the urgent need for intervention in Costa Rican education.
Q COSTARICA — Days ahead of the historic vote in Costa Rica, where he could be stripped of his immunity, President Rodrigo Chaves, is chumming it up with his counterpart in El Salvador, Nayib Bukele.
Chaves arrived in El Salvador on Thursday to meet with Bukele and visit the Cecot, a maximum-security prison for gang members, where more than 200 Venezuelans deported from the United States were also detained.
Chaves arrived at the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport at midday and was received by Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco, according to the Casa Presidencial.
The main focus of Chaves’s official visit to El Salvador is “the meeting with President Bukele,” Casa Presidencial stated.
Furthermore, he is expected to visit the Cecot today, Friday, a mega-prison that has become a symbol of the so-called war on gangs being waged by the Bukele administration under a state of emergency.
Chaves would be the first head of state to visit the Cecot prison, which has also been visited by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and former Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich.
The Cecot is located in an isolated and arid area in the central town of Tecoluca, more than 75 kilometers from the capital, San Salvador.
Neither the local press nor the international media have been invited to cover the visit by Chaves.
Casa Presidencial added that Chaves’s visit “will strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries, as well as consolidate a strategic agenda for joint work for the benefit of our people and the Central American region.”
Chaves’s arrival in El Salvador comes more than a year after Bukele visited Costa Rica on November 12, 2024, and, among other activities, toured Costa Rica’s main prison, known as “La Reforma.”
In that prison, the Salvadoran president held a press conference in which he warned of “symptoms” of criminality similar to those his country faced at the beginning of the gang phenomenon and suggested reforms to the prison system so that the government would have total control.
That day, Bukele recalled that during his administration, the largest prison in Latin America, with a capacity for 40,000 inmates, was built at a “very low cost” of US$115 million and designed by the government itself.
The government of Rodrigo Chaves recently announced the construction of a prison with a capacity for 5,000 inmates—construction of which has not yet begun—inspired by the Salvadoran infrastructure, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
The president of the Incofer (railway) called on drivers and pedestrians to take care of the new machines - that is be aware of them so as not to get into an accident with them.
RICO’s Q — Costa Rica’s commuter train has the potential to be a major solution for the daily gridlock choking the Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM). But instead of easing traffic headaches, it’s often a source of frustration.
Delays and service suspensions are common — sometimes because of accidents on the tracks, but mostly due to the poor management—incompetence—by the Instituto Costarricense de Ferrocarriles (INCOFER).
Traffic in San José and its surrounding areas is a nightmare. Thousands spend hours stuck in jams that barely move. Public transportation has long relied on buses, which get caught in the same never-ending congestion.
The commuter train could change that. It could offer a real alternative for getting around. Instead, it runs only during weekday rush hours, limiting its usefulness. How can anyone seriously take it as an option if it’s barely available?
Take someone in Santa Ana trying to reach Cartago, for example. First, they have to battle traffic just to get to the nearest train station, which is already far away. Then, after a slow ride, they face the same struggle getting from the station to their final destination. The return trip feels even more exhausting — long waits for the afternoon train, and fingers crossed the service actually runs.
On weekends or holidays, fuggetaboutit!
The train service we see today is the product of years of stop-and-go efforts. After passenger trains shut down in the 1990s, limited service restarted in 2005 with the Pavas-Montes de Oca line, expanded to Atlántico-Heredia in 2009, and now reaches Cartago and Alajuela. Yet, it’s still no better at moving people efficiently than before.
A crucial north-south route, connecting densely populated areas like Tibás and Desamparados, is still missing.
The current network barely scratches the surface of the sprawling metro area’s needs. There’s talk of expanding, but no real money or plans to maintain what’s already there.
If you want a prime example of INCOFER’s mismanagement, look at their two-week shutdown at the end and start of each year. Trains stop running after December 23 and don’t resume until January 5.
On paper, it sounds sensible—fewer passengers, quieter roads, a good time for repairs. But that’s exactly when many people have time off and could benefit from reliable train service the most.
Incofer seems completely disconnected from what the city really needs. Despite this, it keeps tapping into government funds to support a service that’s neither efficient nor built to serve its current or future users.
What’s striking is that not a single one of the 20 presidential candidates has made this issue part of their platform.
Q COSTARICA — Between June 2022 and March of this year, individuals and businesses that receive their income in dollars saw their earnings decrease by almost 30% due to the appreciation of the colón against the dollar.
While it’s true that those with dollar-denominated debt, whether on loans or credit cards, are happy with lower monthly payments, the reality is that there is a high opportunity cost.
Thousands of jobs, the country’s competitiveness, the survival of tourism businesses, economic growth, tax collection, and even domestic producers are all affected by a weak dollar.
As if all that weren’t enough, Costa Rica would become a more expensive country in the medium term, impacting its overall competitiveness.
“When comparing the third quarter of 2024 with the same period in 2025, a loss of 22,000 tourism jobs is evident, primarily due to two factors: 1) increased operating costs due to the appreciation of the colón and a 1.8% decrease in tourist visits. Therefore, we are making an urgent appeal to the authorities regarding this situation,” said the Guanacaste Chamber of Tourism.
This concern has also been expressed by Shirley Calvo, executive director of the National Chamber of Tourism, and Flora Ayub, director of the Chamber of Hotels.
“The exchange rate is currently one of the factors most affecting the tourism sector, especially small and medium-sized businesses, due to the accumulated appreciation of the colón over the last three years. Although tourism companies have maintained high quality standards, the appreciation of the colón has reduced income in local currency and created a financial imbalance. Remember that expenses are in colones and income is in dollars,” said Calvo.
What will happen to the dollar in 2026?
In recent days, the dollar exchange rate has been below 500 colones at Monex and at banks.
This is mainly due to the start of the peak tourist season, but also to the influx of dollars by multinational companies to pay Christmas bonuses.
However, this doesn’t mean the currency will remain so cheap indefinitely.
Financial experts indicate that 2026 will bring a slight increase in the dollar, but it won’t be enough to bring the exchange rate to a kind of equilibrium point.
“The country’s international reserves have exceeded $16 billion, and interest rates remain high. Therefore, we could say that the dollar exchange rate shouldn’t experience any sharp movements in 2026,” stated Daniel Suchar, an economic analyst.
According to his analysis, the dollar will move within a relatively narrow range throughout the year.
“I think the dollar will be between 500, 520, and 525 colones throughout 2026,” he projected.
What to do?
Given this situation, the question arises: what can salaried workers and businesses do to protect themselves from a weak dollar?
In the case of salaried workers, several experts consulted by LA REPÚBLICA offered various tips focused on planning, since at this time there is little that can be done to recover liquidity.
The good news is that a budget and other tools would allow you to deal with the dollar in the future from a better position.
For example, if you have dollar-denominated debts from credit cards or loans, you could consider making advance payments.
Another piece of advice is to create an emergency fund to handle unexpected events like the current one, ensuring you have savings in colones to help you cope.
“People should make projections to identify seasonal patterns in currency behavior, always aiming to find the best time to buy them,” explained Luis Alvarado, an economic and financial analyst at Grupo Financiero ACOBO, who asserted that it’s clear the dollar tends to drop significantly during Christmas.
As for businesses, experts point out that they have more tools to deal with a low exchange rate.
The main one is currency hedging, which consists of financial instruments offered by banks that provide stability against fluctuations in the US dollar, while also eliminating uncertainty and allowing for sound annual planning and investment.
Essentially, currency hedging allows you to lock in the exchange rate from colones to dollars or other currencies like euros, yen, yuan, and pounds sterling for a predetermined period.
“Companies can consider purchasing currency hedges to lock in future prices for selling dollars. This protects profit margins and provides budget stability,” said Vidal Villalobos, financial advisor at Grupo Prival.
Another piece of advice is to review the various contracts companies have to index a portion to local inflation or the exchange rate, negotiate automatic adjustment clauses, and migrate some prices to colones if the client allows it.
Bad news
A cheap exchange rate does not benefit the country’s economy, even though debtors make lower payments on their loans.
These are the negative effects:
1. Loss of competitiveness in the export sector. By receiving income in dollars but paying salaries, electricity, taxes, and social security contributions in colones, exporters’ profit margins are squeezed, making it difficult to compete against countries with more devalued currencies like Colombia or Mexico.
2. Increased cost of tourism. Costa Rica becomes a more expensive destination for foreigners, generating a negative reputation. Tourists feel their money goes less in hotels, restaurants, and tours, which may motivate them to choose cheaper alternative destinations.
3. Less Employment: Multinational companies, exporters, and tourism businesses operate with budgets in dollars. If the dollar falls, they need to spend more dollars to cover salaries, so companies may freeze hiring, reduce working hours, or, in the worst-case scenario, carry out mass layoffs.
4. Disincentive to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Foreign companies could halt their expansion plans in the country or decide to locate in other jurisdictions where their dollars go further, affecting the creation of new, quality jobs.
5. Blow to Local Producers Compared to Imports: A cheap dollar makes imported products cheaper for the end consumer. While this sounds good at first, it is devastating for domestic producers.
6. Lower Taxes: If the two main drivers of the economy (exports and tourism) slow their growth due to decreased profitability, the economy as a whole stagnates, and the treasury collects less in taxes and invests less in social programs, security, and education, among other areas.
Stability in 2026
The dollar is expected to maintain exchange rate stability throughout 2026. Experts indicate a slight upward trend and, for the time being, rule out any abrupt changes.
The current situation, in which the dollar has been below 500 colones, is temporary and is associated with the Christmas season, the payment of bonuses, and the peak tourist season.
The official dollar exchange rate by the Central Bank for this Thursday, December 11, 2025, is: ¢495.29 for the buy and ¢501.76 for the sell.
Click here for the exchange rate at the banks and financial institutions this morning, as reported to the Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) — Central Bank.
Q COSTARICA — Reducing traffic congestion with your mobile phone in the event of a collision is indeed possible.
Given that the vast majority of collisions result solely in vehicle damage, you can use your mobile phone to record a video of the vehicles involved, without waiting for a traffic official (transito) to arrive.
This method doesn’t apply if someone involved in the collision doesn’t have a mobile phone or if there are injuries or a deceased.
Waiting for a transito to arrive at the scene can waste hours of your life over a couple of scratched cars.
These days, a doctor can perform open-heart surgery remotely, following the instructions of an expert.
So there’s no reason not to use video footage to film the vehicles involved in a collision, without paralyzing the city for hours waiting for a traffic officer to arrive.
In Costa Rica, if there is only property damage, it is not necessary to report the incident to emergency services or a transito if both parties agree to use the Pacto Amistoso (Amicable Settlement Agreement).
In addition to the videos of the vehicles, the damage, and the overall scene, it is prudent to exchange personal information with the other driver (full name, ID number, phone number, and address). Note the date, time, and exact location of the accident. Also, get the contact information of any potential witnesses (names and contact details).
This information should not be considered legal advice.
Q COSTARICA — Cold front No. 5 will enter Costa Rica today, Wednesday, and its effects will continue through Friday and even into Saturday, confirmed the national weather service, the Instituto Meteorológico Nacional (IMN).
According to Pablo Solano, an IMN specialist, this system will increase atmospheric pressure in the northern Caribbean basin, thereby accelerating the trade winds over Costa Rica.
“General wind speeds will range between 30 and 50 km/h, with maximum speeds in northern Guanacaste and the mountains between 70 and 80 km/h,” he explained.
Starting this Wednesday, the cold front will cause:
Occasional gusts in the North Pacific, mountain ranges, and parts of the Central Valley.
Nighttime rain and drizzle in the Caribbean and the Northern Zone.
Light rain in parts of the Central Valley, especially in Cartago and in the northern and northeastern mountains.
“Due to these slightly windier conditions in the Caribbean Sea basin, more cloud cover is expected to move towards the Caribbean slope,” the IMN stated.
Given this, an increased probability of rain is expected, especially during Wednesday night.
“Likewise, this could also occur in some areas of the Central Valley, such as the surroundings of the province of Cartago and in the mountains to the northeast and north,” the expert indicated.
According to the IMN, light rain to drizzle is expected, with a higher probability during the night.
On the other hand, due to residual moisture and not the effects of the cold front itself, occasional showers are expected in the South Pacific during the afternoon.
Meanwhile, in the North and Central Pacific, as well as in areas of the Central Valley to the west and south, partly cloudy skies are expected.
The official weather forecast for Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Cold surge #5 will move in on Wednesday, leading to an increase in the intensity of the trade winds. Occasional gusts are expected in the Central Valley, the North Pacific, and the mountainous regions of the country, with estimated speeds between 30 and 50 km/h, and maximums between 70 and 80 km/h in northern Guanacaste and the mountains.
Throughout the day, variable cloudiness and a chance of rainfall are anticipated in the Caribbean Slope, especially during the night. Similarly, in some sectors of the province of Cartago and in the mountains north of the Central Valley, there is a chance of drizzle and light rain.
In the Pacific region, cloudiness is expected to range from low to partial, with occasional showers in the South Pacific during the afternoon.
Get the latest Costa Rica weather forecasts and information here.
Q COSTARICA — The Institute of Social Studies in Population (Idespo) at the National University (UNA) analyzed the profile of those supporting the leading presidential candidates in the polls.
In the case of Laura Fernández, candidate for the Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), her support comes primarily from men over 50 years old. Of these, half belong to a high socioeconomic stratum, and 50.5% have completed secondary school. The Catholic religion also predominates.
Women
Support for Álvaro Ramos, of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), and for Claudia Dobles, of the Coalición Agenda Ciudadana, comes mainly from women.
In Ramos’s case, these are women with a primary school education or less, mostly from the middle class and Catholic.
Dobles also enjoys strong female support, but with a different profile: she is particularly supported by women with university degrees, predominantly Catholic women from middle-class backgrounds.
Youth
Support for Ariel Robles, of the Frente Amplio, is concentrated among young people: 66.7% are between 18 and 34 years old.
The electoral roll comprises 3.7 million voters, of whom 44% (1.6 million) are between 18 and 39 years old.
Robles shares with Dobles the characteristic of having middle-class women with university degrees among his main supporters.
The strongest support for Ariel Robles comes from young women. Illustrative image. (Instagram Ariel Robles).
The undecided voters?
Of the 43.9% of people who have not yet decided how to vote on February 1st, 59.2% are women. 40.4% are between 18 and 34 years old, half are Catholic, and the majority belong to the middle class. Additionally, 43.1% have a high school education.
The reasons for not having decided how to vote are primarily threefold: lack of information about the candidates, uncertainty about whom to support, and not having yet reflected on their choice.
The study also consulted the most frequently used media outlets:
Facebook: 59.3%
Television: 54.7%
TikTok: 34.7%
Instagram: 24.5%
Newspapers: 23.1%
The survey was conducted between November 21st and 29th, with a 95% confidence level and 97.8% population coverage.
Q COSTARICA — A Game of Numbers. It was relatively quiet on Monday. There were no resignations, no raids, no institutional fires, and no conferences with fresh insults to jot down. It was a “relaxed” day, even in the Assembly, so we can calmly delve into a couple of reports that came out yesterday.
This Monday, two separate views coincided: one hard (the Idespo survey from the UNA) and the other soft (the digital listening study by U Latina with Kantar IBOPE). In contrast, they provide ample material for a lively conversation.
Let’s see, the Idespo documents a very similar picture to the one CIEP shared with us last week. In short, only Laura Fernández—who is already a distant leader—is managing to grow significantly. Between the October and November studies, she gained 4.7 points and climbed to a very substantial 32.8%.
Two important data points: undecided voters decreased by only 8.5 points, settling at 43.9%, while the combined growth of Ramos, Dobles, and Robles totals 4.1 points—less than the growth Fernández registered on her own.
This shouldn’t necessarily be interpreted as a pattern that will continue, but it does clarify two points. First, anyone who thought Laura had reached her peak was very wrong. Second, the conversation is no longer limited to “Who will face Laura in the runoff?” It now also includes another question: “Will Laura win in the first round?”
The summary is simple: the hard polls favor Laura, choke the opposition, and leave the country staring at the undecided voters like someone staring into a dark room, unwilling to turn on the light.
Any glimmer of hope for the other 19 presidential hopefuls? The overall outlook is clearly bleak, but if anyone showed signs of life yesterday, it was Claudia Dobles, who jumped from 2.3% to 5.2%.
Dobles is the fastest-growing candidate after Laura, and now she can start crunching numbers to capitalize on the apparent stalemate in Ramos’s campaign and challenge him for second place in January. It’s just a matter of maintaining this trend, and she’ll steal the show. Her new problem, clearly, is what’s already been said: Fernández aims to resolve this in a single round.
So far, everything is relatively normal for a lackluster campaign. So lackluster, in fact, that Kantar IBOPE detailed in its new report that 7 out of every 10 comments made on social media this quarter were about President Chávez. That is to say, while in any other campaign the outgoing president’s image fades significantly, in this case, the opposite has happened: he’s being talked about more than all the other candidates combined.
Interesting fact: the controversy surrounding the frequency auction generated a spike in negative comments about the president, reaching 46.2% adverse opinions. That’s how strong the “Sinfonola Effect” was. However, as is obvious, the incident did nothing to help Laura’s campaign.
In any case, the cold, hard data speaks for itself: in three and a half years in office, negative comments about Chávez on social media only outnumbered positive ones on five occasions. That’s how exceptional his support has been, and it remains just as solid to this day. He has to make a huge blunder, like condemning Sinfonola to death, for the needle to move even slightly against him. And he quickly readjusts.
In any case, as I always say, we must take each study for what it is. If it’s imperative to read polls with insight and nuance, then it’s even more crucial to understand surveys like the one by Kantar IBOPE. Without going too far afield, the presidential candidate for Pueblo Soberano is the most mentioned figure on social media (173,389 mentions) but also the most criticized: 56.8% negative comments (22.5% positive and 20.8% neutral).
The complaints are coming from all sides: her absence from debates, the proposal to sell the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s rejection of her appeal, the phrase about the “trigger spike” in homicides… A collection of anecdotes and incidents that fuel the narrative of fragility attributed to her. But, but, but… despite all that: she’s gaining ground in the polls. And she’s gaining ground faster than anyone else.
Let’s keep in mind, then, what should be more than obvious by now: the digital street is in a state of permanent outrage. Social media, fueled by the hate algorithm (and designed to promote it), measures emotions, not decisions. It’s no wonder, then, that negative narratives spread faster than any serious proposal to get the country moving again.
Nor is it surprising, then, that the most criticized candidate is also the most supported.
The contrast, in any case, raises an uncomfortable question: What good is a country that talks so much… if it decides in silence? And another, inevitable one: How much does the digital noise resemble the actual vote? Probably less and less.
It’s not that a poll “beats” social listening. It’s that each captures different perspectives on the same landscape. What’s striking is that neither is capturing enthusiasm, hope, or clarity. Only noise on one side and resignation on the other.
So, Costa Rica enters the second week of December like someone entering a familiar house at an odd hour: feeling their way along the walls in the dark, careful not to knock anything over so as not to wake anyone. And between sighs, the occasional shiver.
For now, the numbers are clear: propelled by a president who seems more like a candidate, the ruling party is gaining strength and aiming to avoid a penalty shootout. On the other side, the opposition, which continues to advance aimlessly, is running out of time. Caught in the middle, the undecided voters, little by little—and with little enthusiasm—are beginning to make up their minds.
But four out of ten are still thinking about it. And there, dear subscribers, lies the key. Anyone who knows how to speak to that demographic will be able to pull off some impressive feats by proudly displaying the national flag next May.
Q24N — The lack of definitive results keeps Honduras in uncertainty, days after the November 30 general elections. The vote count continues to be hampered by slow processing of tally sheets and repeated system outages.
Adding to this situation are accusations of fraud launched by the ruling party, without providing any evidence. The candidate for the Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre), Rixi Moncada, called for the annulment of the elections on Sunday night.
“Libre does not recognize the elections held under the interference and coercion of the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and the allied oligarchy who have attacked the Honduran people with an ongoing electoral coup,” said Moncada, who is currently in third place with 19.28% of the vote.
With 88% of the ballots processed, Nasry Asfura of the National Party has 40.21% of the vote, and Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party has 39.49%. Days before the election, Trump endorsed Asfura and granted a pardon to former president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking in a U.S. prison.
Both candidates said they had all the ballots and claimed to be the winners, although they heeded the electoral body’s call not to declare victory.
The National Electoral Council (CNE) called for calm and stated that the process is proceeding as planned. The institution attributed the recurring failures in the dissemination systems to the Colombian company Grupo ASD, which is in charge of the TREP, the platform that publishes the preliminary results.
The electoral director of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Eduardo Fuentes, told the Associated Press that the law allows 30 days to issue the official declaration. He explained that, once the voting process concluded, all tally sheets had to be scanned and sent via the internet to the CNE’s data collection center for processing and subsequent publication.
The president of the CNE, Ana Paola Hall, stated on Sunday that “at this time we cannot avoid saying that the CNE imposes and will continue to impose significant demands on the contracting company, but we must remember that… the paramount interest is the general elections.”
After publishing 88% of the tally sheets, the process entered Contingency 1, which covers scanned tally sheets that could not be transmitted. Contingency 2 then began, for tally sheets that were neither scanned nor sent. “We are in Contingency 2,” Fuentes stated.
In this phase, 7,776 tally sheets will be reviewed, 2,294 of which correspond to the presidential election. Their processing could widen or narrow the gap between Asfura and Nasralla. If the difference narrows, a special recount will determine the outcome.
Fuentes explained that the special recount reviews tally sheets with inconsistencies, errors, or those that were not returned. “Once the special recount is completed, the general recount is considered finished, and a declaration of results is issued,” he stated. According to his estimates, the process could be completed “within seven to eight days.”
For this stage, 150 Special Verification Boards will be established, each composed of a representative from each party, one from the National Electoral Council (CNE), an international observer, and a delegate from the auditing firm. The Special Prosecutor’s Office for Electoral Crimes will also participate, and cameras will be present at all times. The work will be carried out 24 hours a day.
The Organization of American States (OAS) urged the National Electoral Council (CNE), in a statement, to expedite the vote count with mechanisms that guarantee traceability and accuracy.
On November 30, Hondurans elected a new president, three vice presidents, 128 members of Congress (both primary and alternate), and 298 mayors and deputy mayors.
Q COSTARICA — Planning to be in San José this weekend? The San José Municipality’s Festival de la Luz is happening on Saturday, but the parade floats will start rolling along Paseo Colón from 10 pm on Friday.
The first three blocks of Paseo Colón will be closed starting Friday night.
The route around La Sabana Metropolitan Park will be closed from noon on Saturday and traffic will be regulated from 11 am.
Heavy trucks will not be allowed on the Autopista General Cañas past the Monumento al Agu (Water Monument) and must detour via the Circunvalación (ring road) starting Saturday morning; all vehicular traffic will be detoured at the northeast corner of the Sabana park.
Like every year, the General Cañas and the surrounding areas will be a massive traffic chaos.
“Be good, it’s for your own good, it costs nothing. Otherwise, Santa won’t bring you anything,” says the Ministerio de Obras Publicas y Transportes (MOPT).
Q COSTARICA — The Poás volcano registered 24 volcano-tectonic earthquakes between December 3 and 4, a number higher than what is considered normal, as confirmed by the Observatorio Vulcanológico y Sismológico (OVSICORI)—Volcanological and Seismological Observatory.
According to OVSICORI volcanologist Maarten de Moor, although this seismicity is high, there is no evidence of a new eruptive cycle.
“It’s a high number of volcano-tectonic earthquakes, higher than normal, but we don’t see significant changes in other parameters such as gases, deformation, and emissions, which remain stable,” explained De Moor.
According to Moor, the seismic events could be due to two situations: New magma injection into the system and Tectonic faults near the volcano.
“What we look for to say there’s a significant change is an increase in other parameters as well. At the moment, we haven’t seen any major changes,” he emphasized.
He also emphasized that these swarms of earthquakes have been observed at other volcanoes in the country without necessarily leading to major crises, so the interpretation should always be made in conjunction with the other variables.
Eruption
A few hours after this increase in seismic activity, Poás registered a phreatic eruption on December 6th with an ash column of approximately 400 meters and the ejection of ballistic projectiles that lasted for five minutes.
However, the specialist clarified that there is no proven direct relationship between the earthquakes of the preceding days and this specific explosion.
“It is what we call an isolated eruption, which is part of the same eruptive episode that began in January. We have no evidence of a change in behavior or a direct relationship with the earthquakes,” he added.
The last eruption had occurred in October.
Unstable Volcano
Poás continues to show variations characteristic of a system that has not yet fully stabilized after the intense eruptive period recorded between January and May 2025.
“We are still within the same episode of activity. These small eruptions are part of the tail end of what we saw at the beginning of the year,” explained De Moor.
The expert confirms that this has been the most intense year since 2017, with eruptions of comparable size—although less dangerous—and a prolonged duration of the eruptive episode.
De Moor recalled that the 2025 eruptive period began on January 5 and lasted for several months, with episodes of significant explosions, ash emissions, and changes in the crater.
“It was a very intense episode compared to recent years. These large eruptions were comparable to those of 2017,” the specialist noted.
He also highlighted that, unlike other quieter years, this cycle has extended for almost a full year and the system has not yet fully stabilized.
“Poás goes through eruptive episodes that usually last between three months and a year. We are still within that same period,” he indicated.
Surface magma continues
On the other hand, regarding the magma, Poás has maintained an active surface magma system for decades, which explains its recurring eruption cycles.
“At the Poás volcano, we have always seen considerable activity due to the presence of surface magma. It is still there; it hasn’t fully emerged,” De Moor stated.
This characteristic explains the recurrence of phreatic eruptions and incandescence, although the latter has decreased considerably in recent months.
“After Saturday’s eruption, we saw a glowing spot near vent B, but it’s very rare to see it now,” he added.
Regarding the crater lake level, it has remained stable for several weeks.
Although the bottom was practically dry in April and May, there is currently water covering all three vents, which could trigger steam eruptions when heat builds up beneath the surface.
“There is enough water to generate pressure beneath the lake and cause explosions,” De Moor stated.
Q COSTARICA —In one week, on December 16, the Legislative Assembly will vote on the report recommending lifting President Rodrigo Chaves’s immunity. Pilar Cisneros, head of the ruling party’s legislative bloc, confirmed that the president will be present for this historic process.
Unlike the previous time, when Chaves was absent of his own volition, this time the President wishes to participate.
This means that Chaves will have the opportunity to address the full legislature regarding what he considers anomalies in the process of political belligerence; he will also be able to answer questions from the legislators.
The discussion will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by the vote.
To remove the president’s immunity, 38 votes are needed, so it will depend on the votes of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) and Nueva República parties. Previously, legislators from those two parties stalled the process when a supposed crime of extortion, essentially a type of corruption, was discussed.
The Case
The legislators will vote on a majority report recommending that Chaves’s immunity be lifted for 15 alleged acts of political belligerence. The legislators analyzed the issue at the request of the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciónes (TSE)—Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
Belligerence consists of using public resources or making public statements to favor the presidential candidacy of a political party.
If found guilty, Chaves would be barred from holding public office for up to four years and, in the most extreme scenario, could be removed from his current position as President, whose term ends naturally on May 6, 2026.
The final decision regarding his immunity in this new case will be made by the full legislature.
If the required 38 votes are obtained, Chaves will lose his immunity, a legal protection that shields the president from prosecution while in office.
If immunity is lifted, the TSE can proceed with the investigation.
It would also be the first time in the history of Costa Rica that something like this has happened.
Q COSTARICA — The creation of the Lorne Ross Ashley Urban Natural Park in Santa Ana is now official, following the publication of the Executive Decree in the Official Gazette, La Gaceta.
This step formalizes the protection of the area and redefines how natural resources will be managed in this part of the canton.
With the declaration, the park’s administration is officially entrusted to the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC)—National System of Conservation Areas, through the Área de Conservación Central—Central Conservation Area.
This entity will be responsible for developing and implementing the General Management Plan, a technical document that will define the park’s internal zoning, permitted uses, and guidelines to ensure the conservation of its natural resources.
The development of this plan will be crucial in establishing how responsible enjoyment, environmental education, and ecosystem preservation—elements that characterize urban natural parks in the country—can coexist within this space.
Furthermore, it will lay the groundwork for regulating the sustainable use of the area and provide legal certainty to management decisions.
The Santa Ana Local Government celebrated the declaration and described it as a significant step forward for the canton’s environment.
The municipality emphasized that the process was made possible through collaborative work with public institutions, organizations, and individuals who championed the initiative until its official recognition.
Furthermore, it reaffirmed its commitment to continue collaborating on actions aimed at protecting and properly managing the local natural heritage, with the goal of strengthening the community’s quality of life and ensuring the preservation of the ecosystems within the newly created Lorne Ross Ashley Urban Natural Park.
This advancement consolidates an institutional framework that will allow for more robust and conservation-oriented management at a time when urban expansion demands greater efforts in planning and environmental protection.
Q COSTARICA — Every year-end, the Cámara de Industrias de Costa Rica (CICR)—Costa Rican Chamber of Industries — takes a moment to reflect on the challenges we face as a nation and the possible paths to overcome them. However, this year is different.
The electoral landscape leading up to the 2026 presidential elections makes this year-end a turning point for assessing the economic, social, and institutional direction we want to build together.
Aware of this, the CICR is promoting two concrete efforts that reflect our commitment to democracy and the country’s competitiveness. On the one hand, given the worrying increase in abstention—especially among younger generations—they launched the “Vote For Me” campaign, a corporate social responsibility initiative that seeks to raise civic awareness and promote informed, active, and responsible participation.
On the other hand, they undertook an important exercise in institutional dialogue, hosting 10 presidential candidates in Board of Directors and expanded Executive Committee sessions. The objective was to listen to their perspectives and present them with the priorities contained in our Competitiveness Agenda, because only through clear communication can we find common ground.
“With the devaluation of the colón that began in the second half of 2022 and has worsened in recent weeks, road, airport, and port infrastructure that demonstrates its vulnerability to any commercial or climatic event, and a security situation that is rapidly deteriorating throughout the country, the next government will face a challenging context that will require major agreements to remove the obstacles that prevent us from competing,” stated Sergio Capón, president of the CICR.
A Competitiveness Agenda for the Productive Sector
Their Competitiveness Agenda outlines the main challenges that hinder the performance of the productive sector and, consequently, affect the well-being of all Costa Ricans. They highlight structural issues such as the exchange rate; The quality and availability of human talent; the burden of social security contributions; waiting lists and the sustainability of the Disability, Old Age, and Survivors Insurance (IVM) program within the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS); the growing impact of insecurity; the high cost of energy; the urgent need to modernize ports, highways, and border crossings; the need to standardize health registrations and streamline procedures; the lag in innovation; insufficient incentives for production; and the importance of a deeper and more diversified national internationalization strategy that better leverages the platform of existing trade agreements.
These challenges are neither abstract nor distant; they are felt in businesses, in homes, and in every corner of the country. The 2025 Business Outlook and Competitiveness Factors Survey confirms this reality: for the third consecutive year, the exchange rate remains the main factor affecting the ability to compete. Added to this are social security contributions, which continue to solidify as a structural obstacle, and the CICR.
There is a growing difficulty in finding and retaining human talent, a challenge that has more than doubled in the last three years. Security has also risen in importance, forcing many companies to incur higher costs, adopt exceptional measures, and even reconsider investments.
These challenges can be addressed if there is political will to build consensus.
In the area of human talent, we could make significant progress if the country grants the National Training Institute (INA) greater agility to update programs, hire instructors, and respond to the needs of the labor market; as well as improve the coordination of training and development needs between the productive and academic sectors, both public and private. Furthermore, it is necessary to review the cost and adapt social security contribution schemes to address new forms of employment without jeopardizing the social security system. At the same time, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) needs to streamline procedures and reduce waiting lists to improve care, the work environment, and the health of our workers.
In the energy sector, modernizing the legal framework of the electricity system is imperative. The country needs to open up investment in renewable energy, diversify its energy mix, and update tariff regulations. Above all, the approval of the Law for the Harmonization of the National Electricity System is a priority, an essential step for the country to compete in energy-intensive industries, such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and to respond to the growing demand for electric mobility and new investments.
It is important to highlight infrastructure advancements such as the opening of the Peñas Blancas Integrated Center and progress toward a new concession at Puerto Caldera, both essential for strengthening the country’s logistics. However, the challenge now is to ensure a truly efficient flow of people and goods at the new border crossing and to finalize the Caldera concession within the established timeframe, so that these advances translate into infrastructure capable of sustaining national competitiveness.
Added to this are other indispensable decisions, such as advancing the standardization of health registrations, eliminating unnecessary procedures, strengthening the fight against informality and illicit trade, promoting innovation as an engine of productivity, and rethinking the internationalization strategy to diversify markets and products. All of this within the framework of protecting the rule of law and the legal certainty that has characterized the business climate and the strength of Costa Rican democracy.
In the international arena, trade is experiencing a context of uncertainty driven by the resurgence of tariff barriers and increased production costs. The new tariffs imposed by the United States since April 2025 underscore the urgent need for Costa Rica to diversify both its production base and its trading partners, as dependence on a few markets and sectors increases vulnerability to external crises and unexpected changes.
This underscores the need for a more proactive agenda from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at minimizing the impact of these tariffs through diplomatic, technical, and commercial efforts that defend the country’s position and protect the competitiveness of our products. All of this must be accompanied by strengthening the internal conditions that the productive sector requires to compete sustainably.
“Our country has achieved great success in its productive transformation, but the current context demands that we face new challenges. Today, we need a national strategy with a shared vision for productive development to build a more competitive, secure, and prosperous Costa Rica,” concluded the president of the industrialists’ association.
Q COSTARICA — McDonald’s Costa Rica, operated by Arcos Dorados, celebrates its 55th anniversary in the country this year, reaffirming its role as one of the leading generators of youth employment, a key player in boosting the national economy, and a constant driver of investment within the fast-food sector.
Since its arrival in Costa Rica in 1970, with the brand’s first restaurant outside of North America, the company has maintained constant expansion based on innovation, talent development, evolution toward sustainability, and support for the communities where it operates, upholding its purpose of “making every day an opportunity to feed people and build dreams.”
In 55 years, more than 90,000 people in Costa Rica have found employment at McDonald’s. Currently, it generates more than 2,500 formal jobs, with 50% female participation, reflecting its leadership in workplace inclusion. This commitment is also evident in the inclusion of approximately 50 people with disabilities on its teams and its most recent engagement index, which again exceeded 98% satisfaction (an anonymous employee satisfaction survey).
McDonald’s financial contribution is also reflected in its robust local supply network, where more than 50% of purchases come from local suppliers adhering to the highest quality standards. Partners such as Alimentos Turrialba, Vegetales Fresquita, Empacadora Agrícola La Trinidad, Impresora Delta, Panifresh, Coopedota, Cargill-Pipasa, Montecillos, Griffith Foods Costa Rica, Demasa, INOLASA, Dos Pinos, Smurfit Westrock, Bolem, Cemusa, and Femsa Costa Rica, among others, have strengthened their operations, expanded their export capacity, and generated high-value supply chains. Today, several of these suppliers serve not only the domestic market but also more than 10 countries where the brand operates.
This collaborative work with local industry has allowed Costa Rica to lead pioneering innovations in the region, such as becoming the first to offer carbon-neutral coffee with Rainforest Alliance certification, incorporating cage-free eggs, and creating the special breakfast packaging design, which is also used in other countries. All these actions reinforce the company’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices, aligned with the expectations of Costa Rican consumers.
Historic Evolution
Since 1970, McDonald’s has also evolved in step with the culture and habits of Costa Rican families. The country has been the birthplace of regional innovations such as the first McCafé in Central America and the addition of the McPinto to the menu, reflecting the brand’s adaptation to local tastes. Likewise, collaborations with iconic brands like Guayabita and Tapita, among others, have strengthened the emotional connection with Costa Ricans, while initiatives like National Dog Day and National Cat Day also recognize the evolution of households, integrating pets as part of the family.
“Celebrating 55 years in Costa Rica fills us with pride and further commits us to the country’s development. We have built an operation that has become an enabler of first-time job opportunities for thousands of young people, we promote the development of local suppliers, and we are committed to innovation and sustainability as pillars of growth. Our focus will continue to be on positively impacting the communities where we operate, functioning responsibly and remaining close to Costa Rican families, accompanying them with experiences that evolve with their needs. Costa Rica has honored us with its preference for more than five decades, and we will continue investing and working to add value for many more years,” stated Marianela Ureña, Communications Manager of Arcos Dorados Costa Rica.
With 79 restaurants in the country, the company has prioritized initiatives that reduce its environmental footprint and modernize its operations. Among these initiatives are the installation of solar panels at the five newest restaurants, the remodeling of premises according to energy efficiency criteria such as LED lighting, low-consumption air conditioning, and more efficient kitchen equipment, and the implementation of material recovery systems.
In 2024 alone, according to the “Social Impact and Sustainable Development Report” published by the company, over 152 tons of cardboard, over 9 tons of Tetra Pak, over 226.5 kg of coffee bags, over 166,000 liters of oil, and 606 kg of thermal paper rolls were recovered, reaffirming the progress toward a more circular economy.
Digital transformation has also been key to this evolution.
Costa Rica was the first country in the region to implement digital kiosks and the Order & Pick Up service. Today, customers have more options than ever to choose the McDonald’s experience that best suits their preferences and the particular occasion. The mobile app has surpassed 2.5 million downloads, and the country was the third Arcos Dorados location to launch the MyMcDonald’s Loyalty Program, rewarding customers with benefits and access to unique experiences.
As part of its Family & Wellbeing pillar, McDonald’s has led one of the brand’s most significant social fundraising initiatives: Gran Día (Big Day). From 2005 to the present (including 2025), more than ¢2.346 billion has been raised, which has been allocated to projects that promote youth development and support families. Of that total, ¢675 million has been allocated to the YouthCan! employability program. McDonald’s has donated ¢1.671 billion to SOS Children’s Villages and ¢1.671 billion to the Ronald McDonald Children’s Foundation. These funds will strengthen educational programs, family support services, and the operation of the Ronald McDonald House, which provides shelter for families traveling from remote areas for their children’s medical care at the National Children’s Hospital.
For 55 years, McDonald’s has been a part of the daily lives of millions of Costa Ricans, reflecting social transformations, changes in consumption habits, and new ways of experiencing family. The brand has remained relevant thanks to a clear vision: to build experiences that are relatable, accessible, and consistent with the expectations of each generation. This connection with the community is one of its main drivers for continued growth.
Christmas Tour and other activities
As part of the celebration of McDonald’s 55th anniversary in Costa Rica, on Sunday, December 21, the company will hold a Christmas tour at several of its restaurants to share the magic of the season with Costa Rican communities and families. During this event, a Christmas show will be presented featuring carols, storytelling, photos with characters, and various surprises, in addition to special perks such as discounts and official brand merchandise.
With this celebration, McDonald’s reaffirms its commitment to continue growing alongside the country and to keep innovating to offer spaces, products, and services that adapt to the Costa Rican lifestyle. The 55th anniversary not only honors its history but also marks the beginning of a new chapter focused on further strengthening its relationship with communities and contributing to Costa Rica’s development in the years to come.
Q COSTARICA — The biggest challenge for Costa Rican political parties in 2025 has been to try to become the face of the opposition, a position that is unclear and could be crucial for the 2026 electoral process.
This is no small challenge in a country where, since 2021, more than 80% of Costa Ricans have declared they do not sympathize with any political party. So the path seems clear: it’s about the presidential candidate, rather than the devalued political parties.
In this scenario, President Rodrigo Chaves is making blatant attempts to transfer his popularity, as reflected in the polls, to the party that would try to give him continuity: the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), his third political venture in four years, after discarding the Partido Progreso Social Democrático (PSD) AND Aquí Costa Rica Manda (ACRM).
However, their presidential candidate, former Minister of Planning and of the Presidency Laura Fernández, seems to be trying to capitalize on the legacy of Chavismo, avoiding debates that might expose the doubts that the head of the ruling party’s faction, Pilar Cisneros, expressed when she hesitated to endorse her from the outset.
Nevertheless, the other candidates still appear far behind Fernández: in the poll conducted by the Center for Political Research and Studies (CIEP) at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), Fernández garnered 25%, followed distantly by Álvaro Ramos (Partido Liberación Nacional, PLN) with 7%, and Claudia Dobles and Ariel Robles (Coalición Agenda Ciudadana and Frente Amplio, respectively) with 3%.
Dobles’s husband, Carlos Alvarado, was president from 2018-2022.
The survey by the Institute for Social Studies in Population (Idespo) yielded similar results, with Fernández at 28% among those determined to vote, followed by Ramos at 6.2%, Robles at 2.9%, Dobles at 2.3%, and Juan Carlos Hidalgo of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) at 1.2%.
The key for the coming months is winning over undecided voters, since both polls reported that more than half of those willing to vote have not yet chosen a candidate: this is the electoral prize that could make one of these candidates the face of the opposition, a position that is currently vacant.
These are not the only factors in a contest that is unusual in many ways. Perhaps the most unusual development has been the war that President Chávez declared against the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), in his eagerness to maintain a clearly electoral profile, and his questioning of the TSE’s authority to manage the electoral process, challenging aspects such as the electoral ban and the prohibition against public officials interfering in the process.
While government intentions to offer varying degrees of support to pro-government candidates have been commonplace, with tours and inaugurations, the decision to attack the TSE breaks the mold and aligns with the Chavista narrative of turning the campaign into a referendum on Cháves himself, rather than on the candidates, including his own representative, who has avoided debates to capitalize on the image of Chavismo.
Other elements are emerging in the contest with unprecedented prominence, such as the growing influence of social media, which is displacing traditional media as a source of information.
Along with this, the increasingly late decision-making process, almost at the point of casting the vote, can also be a factor in creating surprises. Again, the large number of undecided voters could allow a candidate, by capturing voters’ attention in the final months, to become the protagonist of an election that has been marked by polarization.
Q COSTARICA — On February 4, after several days of fighting for his life, Geiner Zamora Hidalgo, interim deputy chief of the Pococí and Guácimo Regional Delegation of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), succumbed to his injuries at Calderón Guardia Hospital. He had been shot multiple times in a restaurant on January 31.
At that time, the director of the OIJ, Randall Zúñiga, called for national unity, stating that “the main risk to Costa Rican democracy right now is organized crime.”
Instead, the Executive Branch responded with further controversy. Justice Minister Gerald Campos, a former OIJ official, even used the term “grand swindle” in July to criticize Zúñiga’s management.
The government’s insistence on talking about, for example, the scanners in Moín and Caldera, which are still not operational, does nothing to quell public discontent, so much so that Chávez himself ended up claiming that “the public security disaster isn’t as bad as they’re making it out to be.” At least, amidst his eagerness to excuse his questionable administration, the president was able to acknowledge the state of affairs.
He said so on August 20th, and less than a month later, his Minister of Security, Mario Zamora Cordero, admitted before the Legislative Assembly’s Finance Committee that “we only have one crime out of control: homicide.”
Information released by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) indicates that as of December 2nd, there were 805 homicides, a figure very similar to and only slightly above the 800 recorded on the same date last year, which ended with 880 and was the second highest in history, after the record of 907 also achieved by this administration in 2013.
Thus, while Chaves has shifted from “they’re killing each other” to “the disaster isn’t that great,” his Minister of Security has tried to defend his administration, claiming that he has achieved a decrease in property crimes, a decrease that, as SEMANARIO UNIVERSIDAD demonstrated, is due to a trend that predates Chaves’s rise to power by at least five years and is explained by the advance of organized crime.
On the other hand, as the SEMANARIO also reported in August, figures updated to July showed another worrying record: the lowest amount of cocaine seized in the decade, with 18,878 kilograms accumulated up to that month. This represents a 30% reduction compared to the previous year, and up to 60% compared to the seizures of 2020 and 2021.
Meanwhile, among the few positive developments of 2025 is the recent dismantling of the so-called South Caribbean Cartel. However, this comes in a context where the director of the OIJ, who had begun an aggressive campaign to take down criminal gangs, is suspended from his post while allegations of sexual assault against him are investigated. In this case, it was revealed that a woman allegedly received a pre-written complaint against the official from the executive president of the National Institute for Women (Inamu).
Deficient
Jonathan Flores Mata, a lawyer, criminologist, and member of the board of directors of the Association of Public and Private Employees (ANEP), explained that the security crisis is “a social phenomenon that has been developing for some time and accumulating like a snowball.”
He emphasized that Costa Rica, “in the last three years, and this year will be the fourth, has reached its highest historical figures in terms of registered intentional homicides, which unfortunately coincide with this administration, which has been criticized for many of its decisions.”
He drew attention, for example, to the number of so-called collateral victims, those who lost their lives in shootings or attacks in which they had no involvement, and who “in 2025 alone exceeded 30.”
He also observed that “increasingly younger people are participating in both common crime and organized crime.” He indicated that in the Southern Caribbean, there have even been cases of people as young as 13 being investigated for contract killings.
He considered the current administration’s management, and not just this year, to be “questionable,” since “there have been numerous scandals and criticisms at the political, technical, and other levels from various groups regarding security decisions made without any technical basis whatsoever.”
He recalled criticisms such as the withdrawal of the National Coast Guard Service (SNG) from Drake Bay and Sixaola, “where considerable drug trafficking occurs”; or the withdrawal of the Drug Control Police (PCD) from docks, airports, and borders, where “police intelligence is gathered for higher-level investigations.” “At one point, the police were also withdrawn from Crucitas, a decision that was later reversed, but it did happen,” he added.
He also criticized the Costa Rican Institute on Drugs (ICD) for “not updating its National Drug Plan” and emphasized that “we have the smallest Financial Intelligence Unit in Latin America, despite Costa Rica being a key hub for organized crime, and specifically drug trafficking.”
Therefore, he summarized that “in 2025, and with everything that has been happening snowballing, this administration has been, at the very least, deficient, if not to be characterized by any offensive objective.”
He concluded that “our authorities in various institutions—because this doesn’t only concern Public Security—are not acting in the same direction as the interests of the honest people of this country.”
Article translated and adapted from 2025: un año más con los homicidios “fuera de control” published by SemanarioUniversidad.com. Read the original in Spanish here.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves could have his term cut short with the possible lifting of his presidential immunity. By mid-December, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Legislative Assembly will decide whether or not to lift the immunity so he can be investigated by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) for 15 counts of political campaigning.
Rocío Alfaro, a member of the Frente Amplio party and part of the committee that analyzed the issue, explained that the plan is for the full assembly to begin the vote process starting December 15, during the last week of sessions.
“The majority report has already been submitted, and the minority report will take the maximum regulatory time, so the vote could take place the week of December 15,” Alfaro said.
The case
The members of the special congressional committee submitted a majority report a couple of weeks ago, which recommends removing Chaves’ immunity.
The legislators analyzed the issue at the request of the TSE, which is investigating alleged crimes of political campaigning using public resources or making public statements to favor a political party’s presidential candidate, after being warned by the TSE on repeated occasions.
If found guilty, Chaves would be barred from holding public office for up to four years and, in the most extreme scenario, could be removed from his current position, which ends on May 8, 2026.
This is not the first time the president has faced impeachment proceedings. He was previously investigated for the alleged crime of extortion—a type of corruption—, but that request did not garner the necessary votes—the required 38 of the 57 legislators—to proceed.
If the required 38 votes are obtained, Chaves will lose his immunity.
Presidential immunity protects the president from prosecution while in office. If immunity is lifted, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) can proceed with the investigation.
Q COSTARICA — All public sector employees will enjoy a 16-day holiday break. The government will be shut down on December 22nd and resume work on Monday, January 5th.
The decree was signed by President Rodrigo Chaves; the Minister of National Planning, Marlon Navarro Álvarez; and the Minister of Labor, Andrés Romero.
The following days were granted as vacation time: December 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th, 29th, 30th, and 31st, 2025, as well as January 2nd, 2026, for a total of eight days.
The holidays of December 25th and January 1st must be added to this. The remaining six days fall on Saturdays or Sundays.
“Among the reasons supporting this recess are the significant savings for the Government in expenses such as electricity, telecommunications, water, and fuel, among others. Furthermore, many public servants have accumulated vacation time, making it appropriate to avoid an excessive increase in these labor rights, while also contributing to the reactivation of the tourism sector and the economy,” the Government stated in a press release.
Police forces and emergency response agencies, among other state departments, will have staggered days off based on their work roles and the continuous need for their services.
Q COSTARICA — If you receive all your income in dollars and spend in colones, as many foreigners in Costa Rica do, it’s clear that your finances have been hit hard by the dollar exchange rate in recent days.
In addition to dealing with the colón’s appreciation against the U.S. dollar for over two and a half years, this year the dollar has suffered a much more significant drop than expected.
Between November 5th and December 5th, the reduction of ¢14.97 colones was reported in the Foreign Exchange Market (Monex).
For example, for someone with an average monthly income of US$3,000, this reduction translates to a decrease in income of about ¢45,000 when converted to colones.
At the same time, the lowest values since 2006 are being reported, according to records from the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCR).
Last Friday, for example, the US dollar closed at ¢489.44 colones.
What to do?
The value of the U.S. dollar doesn’t just affect big banks or international trade — it impacts everyday life,from how much you pay for that cup of coffee to the cost of imported goods on store shelves. A weak dollar can trigger ripples through the economy, potentially driving up prices and eroding purchasing power.
Given this situation, the question arises: What can you do to protect yourself from a weak dollar?
In the case of salaried workers, several experts consulted by LA REPÚBLICA offered advice focused on planning, since there is little that can be done at this time to recover liquidity. The good news is that a budget and other tools would allow you to deal with the dollar in the future from a better position.
For example, if you have dollar-denominated debts from credit cards or loans, you could consider making advance payments.
Another piece of advice is to create an emergency fund to address unforeseen events, such as the current one, so that you have savings in colones to help you cope with the situation.
“People should make projections to identify seasonal patterns in currency behavior, always to find the best time to buy dollars,” explained Luis Alvarado, an economic and financial analyst at Grupo Financiero ACOBO, who asserted that it is clear the dollar tends to drop significantly during December.
These planning-oriented tips are valid because the expectation is that the dollar exchange rate will remain low throughout 2026, added economic analyst Daniel Suchar.
One straightforward move is to diversify your investments. Instead of keeping all your money in dollar-denominated assets, consider a mix that includes colones. Another practical step is to look at your spending habits. If your favorite products are imported, explore alternatives such as local produced.
The obvious here is a weaker dollar doesn’t stretch as far, meaning for tourists and expats alike, your money might buy fewer goods and services than before. This can mess with budgets and plans.
Shopping around for better exchange rates can help. Airports and hotels often offer convenience but at a premium. Local banks and exchange houses usually give you more favorable rates. It pays to do a bit of legwork rather than settle for the first rate you see.
Keep an eye on the current exchange rate trends and adjust your spending accordingly. Costa Rica offers options for almost every budget, so planning meals, transportation, and activities with the colón in mind lets you make smarter choices.
For tourists, if you know you’ll need to make a big purchase, like renting a car or booking tours, locking in prices early can save you from future rate shifts. Some vendors might accept dollars directly, but negotiating a price in colóns can sometimes work to your advantage when the dollar slides.
Currency fluctuations aren’t random—they often reflect global trends or local economic policies. Staying informed helps you make timely decisions about whether to bring more dollars, convert early, or hold off.
What’s happening with the dollar?
With the arrival of Christmas and the onset of the trade winds, the dollar exchange rate has plummeted.
But what’s causing the dollar to trade so low?
The dollar exchange rate is just days away from completing a month below the ¢500 threshold. The last time we saw the dollar below the ¢500 was in 2007, when it closed the year at ¢497.80.
In 2021, the dollar had a steady appreciation, closing the year at ¢637.98, slipping each December to the current low.
“Typically, at the end of the year, we see a greater supply of dollars due to businesses paying the Aguilnaldo (Christmas Bonus) and year-end expenses, as well as the peak tourist season,” explained Villalobos.
The expert points out that if the dollar falls even further, sectors like exports and tourism would be more severely affected.
The Central Bank has already indicated that it will be buying more dollars to prevent a further drop in the dollar’s value and, at the same time, further strengthen its international reserves.
Q COSTARICA — Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR) inaugurated two new routes from the United States and Canada on Thursday, expanding international connectivity during the peak season.
The first flight of the day arrived at 1:40 p.m. from Pearson International (YYZ), in Toronto, Canada, operated by Porter Airlines on an Embraer E195 with 132 passengers on board.
This flight marked a milestone for Costa Rican aviation, as Guanacaste became Porter’s first destination in Central America.
The opening reinforces the Canadian market’s interest in the province, one of the country’s top sun and nature destinations.
At 2:24 p.m., the JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Florida, landed, inaugurating its new year-round direct route between the two destinations.
With this addition, JetBlue now offers three direct routes to Guanacaste, including connections from Boston and New York, strengthening its presence on the U.S. East Coast.
The new service will provide greater frequency and capacity for leisure and connecting travelers seeking direct access to Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast.
Authorities from Guanacaste Airport and the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) welcomed passengers in a festive atmosphere, with activities and welcome gifts.
The symbolic event reinforced the message of hospitality that characterizes the destination and celebrated the sustained growth of air connectivity.
“We welcome these new routes with enormous satisfaction, as each connection to Guanacaste strengthens our presence in two crucial markets: the United States and Canada,” stated William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.
The minister emphasized that the expansion comes in a challenging global context for the tourism industry.
“This expansion reaffirms the airlines’ confidence in Costa Rica as a safe, diverse, and competitive destination, even under challenging conditions in source markets,” he noted.
Both routes will facilitate direct access to the province’s beaches, national parks, and cultural attractions, boosting hotel occupancy and the tourism value chain.
The increase in flights also generates greater dynamism in sectors such as transportation, commerce, gastronomy, and recreational activities.
With these additions, Guanacaste Airport reinforces its role as a gateway to the Costa Rican Pacific and an engine of regional development.
Authorities expect that the strengthened connectivity will maintain the growth in international arrivals during the high season and throughout the rest of the year.
Q COSTARICA — Although negative inflation can be interpreted as temporary relief for households, its persistence can become an obstacle to economic growth, according to Elizabeth Morales, deputy manager of Coopecaja.
In other words, prolonged negative inflation rates, like those Costa Rica is experiencing, are not good for the country’s economy or for households.
“Persistent negative inflation (deflation), like what we are seeing, is considered dangerous for long-term economic health. While the short-term benefit is increased purchasing power for households, prolonged deflation erodes credit dynamism and investment, which are essential drivers for the country’s sustainable growth. The risk is not of internal stagflation, but rather of contagion from a slowdown due to the threat of stagflation in key trading partners,” the specialist told La República.
Persistently negative inflation can discourage consumption and investment, as households and businesses postpone their decisions while waiting for lower prices.
In addition, a deflationary environment tends to decrease the expected profitability of productive projects, affecting credit availability and overall economic flow.
What’s happening?
Costa Rica has experienced deflation (falling prices) for several months in 2025, with significant negative annual rates in months such as August, September, and October, driven by decreases in transportation, communications, and food, although services such as education and housing are rising, indicating a mixed economy with downward pressures on certain goods and services
Costa Rica has been below the Central Bank’s target of 3% for 30 consecutive months. The last time this level was reached was in April 2023, and projections indicate that it will not be met again until 2027.
Inflation registered a slight increase in October, reaching -0.38%, after the -1% observed in the previous month, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC).
Prices for many goods have dropped mainly because transportation costs like fuel and flights have fallen, technology products such as phones have gotten cheaper, and some foods like tomatoes are less expensive. On the other hand, things like education, housing, healthcare, and recreation have become more costly.
Inflation is projected to climb back into positive territory by the end of 2025, with estimates around 0.2% for November and 0.5% by the close of the current quarter, based on Trading Economics models.
However, despite the upward movement, the indicator remains in negative territory and has now been below zero for six consecutive months this year.
Q COSTARICA — Florida Ice and Farm Company S.A. (FIFCO) received authorization from the Comisión para Promover la Competencia (Coprocom)—Commission to Promote Competition—to proceed with the sale of its beverage, food, and retail business to HEINEKEN International B.V.
The resolution was issued on November 19, after determining that the transaction will not significantly affect competition in the country.
This decision allows the company to take one of the key steps toward closing the transaction, originally announced in September and approved by shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting held on October 7. At that meeting, 98.94% of the share capital voted in favor of transferring the business to the Dutch brewer.
The transaction amounts to US$3.25 billion and includes the transfer of the remaining 75% stake in Distribuidora La Florida S.A., as well as other companies linked to the beverage business in the region. With this transfer, HEINEKEN would assume control of the brands, plants, distribution centers, and commercial operations included in the transaction.
Although Coprocom’s authorization clears the way in Costa Rica, the transaction is not yet considered complete. FIFCO indicated that the agreement is subject to approval by other regulatory authorities in countries where the companies involved also operate, such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Panama.
Once all closing conditions are met, the company committed to promptly informing the market.
Q COSTARICA (Todoelcoco TV) — The appreciation of the colón against the U.S. dollar, which has taken the exchange rate to its lowest level in almost two decades, is generating concern among tourism entrepreneurs in Guanacaste.
Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are reporting a decrease in the purchasing power of foreign tourists, primarily Americans and Canadians, who are receiving fewer colones for every dollar spent.
This situation is impacting the region’s competitiveness, as many businesses receive revenue in dollars while facing costs in colones, significantly reducing their profit margins.
To mitigate the impact, several companies are exploring rate adjustments, more promotions, and a greater focus on domestic tourism.
Despite the challenging outlook, industry representatives maintain that Guanacaste holds a strong position as a tourist destination, thanks to its infrastructure, hotel offerings, and the consistent arrival of flights at the Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which continues to be a key driver of the local economy.
However, they acknowledge the need to strengthen visitor attraction strategies throughout the year.
Economic experts recommend closely monitoring exchange rate fluctuations, as a prolonged weak dollar could negatively impact investment and financial planning in the sector.
Q COSTARICA — The Cámara Nacional de Turismo (Canatur)— National Chamber of Tourism — expressed its concern about the impact of the dollar exchange rate on tourism.
The current rate (¢487.73 for buy and ¢492.91 for the sell) is the lowest in almost twenty years and is affecting the sector’s financial stability.
Canatur noted this happens right as the high season kicks off. Around this time, businesses face higher costs and have to ramp up their operations to keep up with the surge in demand.
Companies face higher costs due to hiring temporary staff, using more basic services, and the need for maintenance and supplies. These expenses are paid in colones, which increases financial pressure.
“During the peak tourist season, businesses face natural increases in their expenses, including hiring temporary staff, higher consumption of basic services, increased operations, maintenance, and the acquisition of supplies to guarantee service quality. However, these costs are paid in colones, while a significant portion of the sector’s revenue is received in dollars,” said Shirley Calvo, executive director of Canatur.
Canatur emphasized that the difference between revenue in dollars and costs in colones directly impacts the sector’s liquidity. Many businesses require exchange rate stability to sustain their operations.
The outlook is complicated by the cumulative decline in international arrivals throughout much of the year. This drop further reduced revenue at a time when greater liquidity is needed.
The Chamber warned that the management of the dollar exchange rate policy makes Costa Rica more expensive compared to competing destinations. Countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Panama offer more affordable costs and greater support for tourism.
The organization stated that there is a misconception about the sector’s true situation. This perception has led to minimizing the impact of the exchange rate on tourism competitiveness.
Calvo noted that the majority of the sector is made up of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – PYMEs in Spanish. She pointed out that more than 85% are small, family-run businesses that depend on consistent income to operate.
“Tourism is not a sector for large corporations. More than 85% of the country’s businesses are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. They are family businesses, hotels with fewer than 20 rooms, restaurants, tourist transportation companies, guides, small tour operators, and local suppliers,” he added.
Despite the adverse conditions, businesses are striving to maintain service quality. The sector continues its efforts to ensure positive experiences for visitors.
Canatur stated that tourism is not receiving the strategic recognition it deserves for the national economy. The industry generates direct and indirect employment in many communities across the country.
The Chamber indicated that it has conveyed its concerns and needs to the authorities. This message includes small, medium, and large businesses that support the tourism value chain.
“As an organized chamber, we have communicated the sector’s concerns and needs to the authorities, from the smallest to the medium and large businesses, because everyone plays a fundamental role in the tourism value chain and everyone generates direct and indirect employment in the communities.
“However, we do not feel that the real impact of the exchange rate on the competitiveness of tourism, one of the pillars of the Costa Rican economy and an engine of local development in many communities, is being acknowledged,” it concluded.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rica has updated immigration guidelines, including
a new fast-track process for accredited companies, expanded special categories for academic visitors and interns, and new general visa rules for non-residents.
Other changes involve streamlining company registration, new requirements for companies to prove social security compliance, and efforts to reduce residency application backlogs.
Key updates for 2025
Fast-track for accredited companies: The “Ventanilla Única de Inversión” (VUI) now offers a fast-track process for short-stay visas for Category A accredited companies, aiming for a two-week processing time.
Expanded academic categories: Higher education institutions can now seek accreditation for faster processing for foreign faculty and students. Special immigration categories have also been expanded to include interns and short-term academic or cultural visitors.
General visa and entry rules: New general visa guidelines were issued in November 2025, which update and detail entry, stay, and overstay consequences for non-residents.
Company registration changes: Regulations for registering companies with the immigration authorities have been updated to streamline the process and improve benefits for companies and their employees.
Company compliance checks: Companies must now prove they are up-to-date with social security (Caja) and tax obligations for their employees, a requirement the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)—Costa Rica’s immigration service, will verify automatically during application processes.
Residency backlog efforts: The DGME is working to reduce a large backlog in residency applications, though a legal challenge has impacted some parts of their strategy.
Special family category: A special category for dependents of residents is being clarified, with specific rules for spouses, parents, and children depending on the resident’s status (permanent, temporary, or citizen).
Tourist Entry and Visa Requirements
Visitors are sorted into four groups according to their nationality, which decides whether they need a visa and how long they’re allowed to stay. The basic system hasn’t changed much, but the updates sharpen the rules for people using visas from other countries to sidestep Costa Rica’s own requirements.
Here’s a quick look at each group and the main rules they follow:
Passport Validity: For most tourists from Group 1, including the US, Canada, and EU countries, no visa required, stay up to 180 days, passports must be valid for at least one day upon entry; From Group 2, no visa required, stay up to 30 days, extendable to 90 days, passports must be valid at least 3 months from entry; From Groups 3 and 4, passport validity is min 6 months.
Specific Nationalities:
– Honduras has been reclassified from Group Three to Group Two (visa-exempt), though adults still need a non-apostilled Police Clearance Certificate upon entry.
– Venezuelans now require a travel permit issued by a Costa Rican consulate in a third country for entry.
– Nicaraguans need a passport with 90 days of validity and can apply for a 48-hour transit visa without a criminal record.
– Schengen Visa Holders: Travelers using a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the US, Canada, or the Schengen Area for entry must ensure these documents are valid for at least 90 days upon arrival.
To visit Costa Rica, all foreign nationals must meet the following entry requirements:
Valid passport or travel document.Only machine-readable passports or travel documents will be accepted, in accordance with the guidelines established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and with the validity period determined by the General Guidelines for Entry and Stay Visas for Non-Residents.
Visa, when required as established by the General Guidelines for Entry and Stay Visas for Non-Residents.
Proof of sufficient funds, with a minimum of US$100.00 (one hundred US dollars) per month or fraction thereof of authorized stay in the country.
Return ticket to the country of origin or onward travel ticket, or a sailing plan indicating the port of destination.
No impediment to entry into Costa Rica.
Residency and Work Visas
Digital Nomad Visa Renewal: To renew a digital nomad visa for a second year, the holder must spend a minimum of 180 days (six months) in Costa Rica during the initial year.
Company Compliance: Companies sponsoring immigration applications (for employees’ residence permits or work authorizations) must demonstrate full compliance with the Costa Rican Social Security Administration (CCSS) and the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda).
Fast-Track Process for Companies: A new “Ventanilla Única de Inversión” (VUI), or One-Stop Investment Window, has been launched to streamline immigration processing for accredited companies, potentially reducing short-stay visa processing times from 15-45 days to approximately two weeks.
Investment Thresholds: The general minimum investment for an Inversionista visa remains around US$150,000 in a business or property, or US$100,000 in a forest plantation. The Pensionado program requires a minimum US$1,000 monthly pension, and the Rentista program requires proof of at least US$2,500 per month for two years or a US$60,000 bank deposit.
Travelers are strongly advised to check the official DGME website for detailed and the most up-to-date requirements before travel to ensure all documentation is correct and avoid potential fines or entry denial.
Q COSTARICA — The U.S. government has stopped processing citizenship and permanent residency applications from migrants of 19 countries, expanding restrictions first put in place under the Trump administration. Among the affected are three Latin American countries: Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.
This move has sparked concern within migrant communities and stirred controversy, especially after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem used harsh language to describe the individuals from these nations.
The restrictions target countries with strained relations with Washington.
An official document obtained by AFP confirms that the suspension includes nations already under travel bans since June.
Besides the Latin American countries, the list features Afghanistan, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Laos, Libya, the Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. This step effectively blocks thousands from gaining residency and eventually citizenship.
Officials say the decision is about boosting security. The memo points out that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must “prevent terrorists from seeking refuge in the United States” and ensure thorough vetting and screening.
This policy came shortly after an attack on two National Guard members near the White House, which left one officer dead. The suspect, an Afghan national, arrived during the Kabul evacuation in 2021.
In this tense atmosphere, Noem’s comments on social media caused a strong backlash.
Noem wrote, “I just met with the President. I recommend a total travel ban for every damn country that has flooded our nation with murderers, leeches, and addicts who think they’re entitled to everything.”
Her words highlighted a sharp turn toward a tougher immigration stance and revealed a bluntly hostile attitude toward migrants from the restricted countries.
Q COSTARICA — Of the 790 homicides recorded in 2025, five cases more than at the same time last year, at least 74 were collateral victims, according to data from the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ).
These are people who had no involvement in the violent incidents that resulted in one or more deaths, but who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The good news is that, when compared to the same period last year, specifically November 26, 2024, there has been a decrease of nine cases, as there were 83 collateral victims a year ago.
Currently, the war between drug gangs for territory is the leading cause of murders, with 571 cases, the OIJ reported.
Harsher Penalties
Last week, with only two female legislators opposing the measure, the Legislative Assembly approved in its first debate a bill that would punish hitmen, ‘sicarios’ in Spanish, with 40 years in prison.
Vanessa Castro, of the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC), and independent Gloria Navas opposed the plan, while 38 legislators approved it.
The initiative was presented by the Nueva República party and seeks one of the harshest penalties in the Penal Code for those who accept money in exchange for killing.
The conservative party, led by Fabricio Alvarado, the presidential candidate in 2026, had sought sentences of up to 50 years in prison for hitmen, but the plan did not gain the necessary political support.
“It’s a good step, not the one we wanted, because for the Nueva República the sentence should be 50 years in prison, but reaching 40 years is already progress,” said Alvarado.
The bill now requires a second reading and approval before it can be sent to the President for his signature.
Q COSTARICA — Costa Rican Gabriela Pacheco Arias has made history as the first woman appointed Secretary of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR). Her groundbreaking appointment marks a significant milestone for gender representation in this vital institution dedicated to protecting human rights across the Americas.
With a distinguished career in human rights law and a deep commitment to justice, Pacheco Arias brings extensive expertise to her new role, effective April 2026. The IACHR, tasked with interpreting and enforcing the American Convention on Human Rights, plays a crucial role in addressing human rights violations and fostering legal standards in its member states.
Pacheco Arias has over 22 years of experience working at the Court’s Secretariat, where she has served as a senior lawyer, coordinator of international cooperation, and director of the Judgment Compliance Monitoring Unit, a role she held from its creation in 2015 until she was appointed Deputy Secretary in 2024.
Her appointment not only breaks a longstanding gender barrier but also signals a broader commitment within international human rights bodies to embrace diversity in leadership.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated her appointment and wished her success in her duties during the next five-year term.
According to the Statute and Rules of Procedure of the Inter-American Court, the Secretariat is responsible for ensuring the proper legal and administrative functioning of the Court, and the person holding the position may be reappointed by the Court itself.
Costa Rica had already established a presence in this position with the jurist Manuel Ventura Robles, who served as secretary from 1990 to 2003.
Costa Rica’s role in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
Costa Rica plays a significant role as a host and champion of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) system, having hosted the signing of the American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San José) in San José in 1969.
The country is a strong proponent of human rights, consistently voting in favor of human rights resolutions and maintaining a high level of cooperation with the IACHR. Costa Rica is also a party to the convention, bound by its obligations to respect and guarantee human rights, and has
The first woman to serve as a judge on the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) was the Costa Rican Sonia Picado, elected in 1988 and serving until her resignation in the mid-1990s to become the Costa Rican Ambassador to the United States. During her tenure, she also served as the Court’s Vice-President from 1992.
Elizabeth Odio Benito, also from Costa Rica, later became the first female president of the IACHR, an office she held from 2016 to 2021.
Q COSTARICA — After three long years of inactivity and unimaginable disruption to commerce, tourism, and the residents of the area, the expansion of the 48-kilometer Barranca-Limonal section of the Ruta 1 (Interamericana Norte) will finally resume.
On Tuesday, the Comptroller General’s Office (Contraloría) approved the two contracts between the State and the Barranca Ruta 1 consortium and the company MECO.
The construction contracts have a maximum term of 24 months.
The first section of the project, 25 kilometers between Barranca and San Gerardo de Chomes, will be carried out by the Barranca Ruta 1 consortium, comprised of Bell Ingeniería and La Estrella, while MECO will be responsible for the remaining 23 kilometers between San Gerardo and Limonal. The contracts were awarded for US$121 million and US$141 million, respectively.
The work on this 48-kilometer stretch includes the construction of an additional lane in each direction, as well as the rehabilitation of the existing road to complete the expansion to four lanes throughout the project. Additionally, the first section requires the construction of seven vehicular bridges, five U-turns, three interchanges, five pedestrian bridges, and 24 wildlife crossings. The second section includes four vehicular bridges, four U-turns, three interchanges, five pedestrian bridges, and 21 wildlife crossings.
In 2022, the project was abandoned following a disagreement between the government and the construction consortium, as progress was impossible due to expropriation issues and a lack of completed designs.
Q COSTARICA — The trade winds and the Christmas season flooded the Costa Rican market with dollars, and as a result, the US currency has remained below ¢500 colones for the last eight consecutive days.
The US dollar also registered a slight increase against the colón since the previous Friday, according to data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica’s Foreign Exchange Market (Monex).
This is the lowest figure since 2006, when the Central Bank began keeping records.
At bank branches, the buying and selling price today ranges between ¢481 (Banco Promerica and Scotiabank) and ¢506 colones (Banco CMB) at public and private banks. See the Central Bank’s official listing here.
A low dollar for the foreseeable future
At the close of trading on Monex last Friday, the US dollar was quoted at ¢492.48 colones. The lowest figure in 17 years, according to Central Bank data.
Economic analyst Daniel Suchar pointed out that the behavior of the foreign exchange market is a response to the high availability of dollars in the country.
“With such high reserves and an exchange rate that is increasingly bolstered by the influx of dollars from tourists and the payment of Aguinaldos (Christmas bonuses) by multinationals, we are going to have very low exchange rates for quite some time, possibly between three and six months,” he explained.
The Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) will hold its last monetary policy meeting of the year on December 18. Although a reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate may be announced, Suchar believes this would not cause a rebound in the dollar.
