By San José, Costa Rica — President Laura Fernández and her administration continue to enjoy a robust honeymoon phase with the Costa Rican electorate after surpassing their first 100 days in office. According to the latest political survey conducted by the Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR), a substantial majority of the population remains highly supportive of the current administration, even as minor factions begin to voice critical opinions.
The statistical breakdown reveals that positive perceptions of the government remained remarkably stable, shifting only slightly from 60% in May to 59% in September. Meanwhile, negative reviews experienced a minor increase, rising from 20% to 24% over the same period. This indicates that despite slight polarization, the administration’s core support remains firmly intact as it enters its second quarter of governance.
As Minister Laura Fernández continues to gain traction in recent popularity polls, questions regarding the legal boundaries of public office promotion and administrative reforms have surfaced. To analyze the legal implications of this rising political profile, TicosLand.com sat down with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The growing public approval of Minister Laura Fernández is closely tied to her visible role in driving major state reforms. However, from a legal standpoint, it is crucial that this political momentum remains strictly aligned with the principles of administrative probity. As public figures navigate high-profile roles, the line between legitimate administrative execution and premature electoral promotion must be carefully managed under Costa Rican public law to ensure that state resources and official platforms are never compromised.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Minister Fernández’s popularity continues to climb, balancing dynamic leadership with strict adherence to administrative probity remains a cornerstone for preserving public trust in Costa Rica’s democratic institutions. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and highlighting these crucial legal boundaries that safeguard our nation’s resources.
The personal popularity of President Fernández has mirrored this steady trajectory. Her approval rating stands at 59%, reflecting a marginal decrease of just one percentage point from earlier polling. Concurrently, approximately 24% of citizens hold a negative view of her leadership. This high level of public trust provides the president with substantial political capital to advance her legislative agenda.
Behind these figures is a rigorous polling methodology. The CIEP-UCR study was executed between August 25 and August 28, with final data collection wrapping up on September 1. The research carries a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points and operates with a 95% confidence level, rendering it a highly reliable representation of national public sentiment.
When placed in historical perspective, the start of Fernández’s term presents a different dynamic compared to her predecessor, Rodrigo Chaves Robles. The Chaves administration launched with an exceptionally high 71% favorability rate, easily eclipsing Fernández’s initial 59%. However, her ability to sustain a stable base of support over her first 100 days suggests a distinct governance style focused on consolidation and steady policymaking.
Despite the current political tranquility, the CIEP-UCR study highlights several critical hazards that could quickly erode the government’s positive standings. Chief among these threats is the potential elimination of tax exemptions on basic food basket items (canasta básica). Facing significant fiscal pressures, the executive branch has ruled out creating new taxes but has remained strategically ambiguous regarding the removal of existing exemptions.
The first of the situations consulted corresponds to the eventual establishment of taxes on products of the basic basket. This measure would have a mostly negative effect that varies according to support for the current government: among those who do not support it, 92% state that their opinion would worsen, a proportion that drops to 67% among people who do support the government.
CIEP-UCR, Research Institution
Beyond fiscal measures, the survey identified adherence to the rule of law as another primary indicator of public support. Any perception that the administration is bypassing judicial mandates, particularly rulings from the Constitutional Chamber (Sala IV), could trigger a severe backlash. Other potential risks to the government’s image include severe budget cuts to public universities and any verified cases of administrative corruption.
The second situation that would have a mostly negative impact on the opinion of the government is if it decides not to comply with or abide by a resolution of the Constitutional Chamber. Faced with this scenario, again, the effect on opinion varies according to the support for the government. Among those who do not support it, 88% indicate that their opinion would worsen given the eventual non-compliance with a resolution of the Constitutional Chamber, compared to 59% among those who do support it.
CIEP-UCR, Research Institution
For the business sector and international observers, the ongoing stability of the Fernández administration offers a predictable political and economic climate. However, the fiscal tightrope the government must walk—balancing the need for public revenues against the electorate’s resistance to higher costs of living—will ultimately determine if this political honeymoon can endure. The upcoming legislative debates over the national budget and fiscal structural reforms will serve as the true testing ground for the administration’s resilience.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About CIEP-UCR:
The Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) is a specialized research unit of the University of Costa Rica dedicated to political analysis, scientific public opinion polling, and academic research on governance, social dynamics, and democratic systems.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Government of Costa Rica
About the Government of Costa Rica:
The executive branch of the Republic of Costa Rica, currently led by President Laura Fernández, is responsible for the administration of national public policies, economic management, and fostering social and infrastructural development across the country’s provinces.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is highly regarded for its principled advocacy and relentless pursuit of professional brilliance. Partnering with a multifaceted clientele across numerous industries, the firm consistently embraces forward-thinking solutions to navigate the evolving legal landscape. By championing initiatives that democratize legal resources and insights, they actively fulfill their vital mission to cultivate a more knowledgeable, equitable, and empowered citizenry.
