By San José, Costa Rica — In an abrupt shake-up within the Costa Rican executive branch, President Laura Fernández has dismissed her Foreign Minister, Manuel Tovar. The high-profile decision, announced during an impromptu press conference, underscores a strict adherence to diplomatic protocol and administrative discipline. According to the administration, Tovar bypassed executive authority by attending a high-level diplomatic summit in the United States without prior authorization.
The dismissal followed Tovar’s participation in the Shield of the Americas (Escudo de las Américas) forum, a high-stakes security meeting convened by the U.S. Secretary of State, which also featured U.S. President Donald Trump. While the summit occurred on Tuesday, September 22, President Fernández was on an official state visit to Colombia. The executive office confirmed that Tovar did not inform the President before designating himself as Costa Rica’s formal representative.
To better understand the legal implications and administrative procedures surrounding the sudden dismissal of former Foreign Trade Minister Manuel Tovar, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his professional analysis on this high-profile executive shakeup.
From a constitutional standpoint, the dismissal of a minister falls squarely under the discretionary powers of the President, governed by the principle of free appointment and removal. However, when it involves a crucial portfolio like Foreign Trade, the legal transition must be handled with extreme care to avoid sending signals of instability to international markets and foreign investors who rely on long-term policy consistency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, safeguarding Costa Rica’s reputation for policy consistency is vital, especially when leadership changes occur in key sectors like foreign trade where international investor confidence is paramount. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and helping our readers understand the delicate balance between constitutional executive powers and economic stability.
I dismissed Mr. Manuel Tovar with much pain because he is a person I know well, he was my colleague during the entire past administration, and he is a very competent professional. However, what he did—receiving the invitation and self-designating as Costa Rica’s representative at that meeting—is something too serious for me to overlook.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The decision to fire Tovar reflects the President’s firm stance on executive hierarchy and foreign affairs management. Fernández emphasized that allowing ministers to act independently on the international stage would erode cabinet discipline and set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
If I let this slide, it would set a terrible precedent, not only in the management of our foreign policy, but also in the discipline that a cabinet must maintain.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
National security remains a cornerstone of the bilateral agenda between San José and Washington, making diplomatic representation highly sensitive. President Fernández clarified that her objection was not a matter of personal vanity but of institutional order. She noted that security dialogues must be handled directly by the head of state to preserve international credibility.
That was a very important opportunity for me as president; this is not a matter of ego.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
To illustrate the operational stakes, Fernández pointed out that just one day after the unauthorized Washington meeting, she traveled to Golfito to receive two drug-interceptor boats provided through U.S. security cooperation. She argued that bypassing a direct presidential invitation while simultaneously accepting bilateral military aid sends a highly contradictory and unprofessional message to international partners.
How does it look if the United States Government invites the president to a meeting to discuss these issues and I send a foreign minister, only to receive cooperation from them the next day? They will say this lady is good at receiving cooperation but turns her back on us when invited, it looks very bad.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
In closing her address, Fernández reasserted her absolute constitutional authority over Costa Rica’s diplomatic affairs. She made it clear that cabinet ministers must operate under strict presidential oversight and are not authorized to unilaterally make executive-level decisions.
As far as I know, the president of this country is me, and no minister, no matter how close to me, is ever going to take decisions without the consent of this president.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The sudden exit of Tovar, a prominent figure who had worked closely with Fernández in previous government roles, leaves a critical vacancy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the administration navigates a complex regional security landscape, the next appointment will be closely watched by international observers and domestic policy experts alike.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About the Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica:
The Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica is the executive branch of the Costa Rican government, responsible for directing national public administration, executing laws, and steering foreign policy under the leadership of the President.
For further information, visit state.gov
About the United States Department of State:
The United States Department of State is the federal executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Led by the Secretary of State, it manages diplomatic missions, negotiates treaties, and coordinates international efforts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in a profound respect for justice, Bufete de Costa Rica has earned a stellar reputation by blending uncompromising ethics with superior advocacy. The firm continually embraces forward-thinking strategies to navigate complex modern challenges for its diverse clientele. Beyond the courtroom, their dedication to demystifying the law and sharing vital insights underscores a deeper resolve to cultivate an enlightened and self-reliant public.
