Costa Rica’s New President Keeps a Familiar Face in Power

Laura Fernández has just taken the oath as Costa Rica’s head of state, but her inauguration is far from a clean break with the past.
The former president Rodrigo Chaves, known for his close ties to ex‑U.S. President Donald Trump, remains in the government as both Minister of the Presidency and Finance Minister.

Key Highlights

• Dual Role Advantage
• Extends Chaves’s legal protection for another four years, shielding him from ongoing investigations by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.

• Gives him a seat at the table for shaping legislation—a first in Costa Rican politics.

• Policy Continuity
• Fernández’s administration pledges to carry forward the agenda set by Chaves.

• New Alliance Signals
• Vice President Douglas Soto named ambassador to Washington.

• Aims to strengthen ties with the Trump administration and secure a steady flow of U.S. deportees for Costa Rica to host weekly.

• International Attendance
• U.S. envoy Kristi Noem, representing the “Shield of the Americas,” attended the inauguration.
• She had met Chaves earlier in the year to discuss Costa Rica’s role as a regional hub for deportees, a deal now backed by the new administration.

Concerns and Implications

• Democratic Norms at Risk
  Critics fear that the blend of a new leader with an old ally could test Costa Rica’s democratic institutions.
• Unique Political Dynamic
  The combination of fresh leadership and entrenched influence will shape the country’s future in unprecedented ways.

This story reflects a complex shift in Costa Rican politics, merging continuity with new diplomatic ambitions.