RICO’s Q: Could this hint at what is to be? When I checked the Presidencia’s official site on Saturday—just a day after Laura Fernández took office—Rodrigo Chaves was still listed.
By Sunday, the website was officially “under maintenance”.
Websites nowadays are the heart and soul of every business and government operation.
The transfer of power didn’t happen overnight. Everyone knows that in Costa Rica, a new government takes office on May 8 after the presidential election. These days, it’s normal for each incoming administration to set up its own website. That’s just how things roll now.
This practice, of launching a new website, is deeply embedded in the country’s political culture. A deliberate choice rooted in transparency, accountability, and the symbolism.
The rationale behind this tradition is straightforward. Each new administration wants to establish its own identity online—a clean slate that reflects its priorities, policies, and vision for the nation. By creating a new website from scratch, the incoming government can tailor content, design, and communication strategies without being tethered to its predecessor’s digital footprint.
It’s a digital declaration of change that mirrors the political transition taking place.
A new website signals a commitment to openness by presenting up-to-date information directly from the current administration. It allows citizens to easily distinguish between past policies and new initiatives, reducing confusion about which government is responsible for what. In a country where public trust in institutions is a constant concern, clear communication is key.
Moreover, the practice helps prevent the carryover of obsolete content. Government websites can become cluttered with old announcements, expired programs, and irrelevant content. Starting fresh ensures that only current, relevant information is available, making it easier for citizens to find what they need.
Laura Fernández’s government is often described as a continuation, yet the new president’s own words tell a different story — she calls this the start of Costa Rica’s “third republic.”
If that’s the case, I can’t help but wonder—shouldn’t there be more planning involved? Or is Doña Laura just going to wing it for the next four years? Or maybe Don Rodrigo still hasn’t given his approval?
Oh well.