
Costa Rica shifts to the right as Laura Fernandez wins presidency
Right-wing political scientist Laura Fernandez won Costa Rica’s presidential election with about 48.3% of the vote (vs. 33.4% for Alvaro Ramos) as 94% of polling stations were counted, signaling a rightward shift amid concerns over drug-trade–linked violence. Fernandez vows to push economic growth and tougher crime measures, drawing inspiration from El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele. She is the political heir of outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, who lauded her victory and said there would be no dictatorship or communism.

