By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – As Costa Rica confronts what many are calling the most severe security crisis in its modern history, a new political platform aims to restore order and public trust. Ana Virginia Calzada, a candidate representing the Centro Democrático y Social party, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to combat the escalating violence and organized crime that she argues has eroded the nation’s foundational peace.
Calzada’s proposals come at a critical time. She highlighted a grim statistic, noting that the number of homicides is on track to reach nearly 3,300 by the end of the current administration. This unprecedented surge in violence, she states, has turned certain provinces into zones with conflict levels comparable to war-torn countries, creating an “undeclared national emergency” that demands immediate and decisive action.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities surrounding the recent national security measures, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a critical perspective on the balance between state security and individual liberties.
While the state has a fundamental duty to protect its citizens and sovereignty, any national security initiative must be rigorously scrutinized against constitutional principles. Measures that are overly broad or lack sufficient judicial oversight risk eroding the very rule of law they are meant to defend. The true test of a robust democracy lies not in the powers it grants itself during a crisis, but in the limitations it upholds.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores the central challenge of our time: ensuring that the quest for security does not inadvertently weaken the democratic foundations and rule of law it aims to protect. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and vital perspective on this critical national dialogue.
In a detailed op-ed, Calzada argues that the current state of insecurity is not a random occurrence but a direct consequence of systemic failures. She points to years of institutional discoordination, the abandonment of key territories by the state, and a general loss of authority as the root causes. This power vacuum, she insists, has been eagerly filled by criminal organizations that now extort honest families and instill fear in communities that were once defined by their tranquility and mutual trust.
This crisis is not an accident: it is the result of years of institutional discoordination, territorial abandonment, and loss of authority.
Ana Virginia Calzada, Candidate of the Centro Democrático y Social party
The centerpiece of her plan is the creation of a National Council for Criminal Intelligence and Security. This body would function as a real-time strategic command center, or “situation room,” where data from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), the Public Force, the Public Ministry, and the Immigration and Customs agencies would converge. By leveraging technology—including interoperable video surveillance, crime heat maps, and artificial intelligence for criminal analysis—the council would aim to move law enforcement from a reactive to a proactive posture.
A second fundamental pillar of Calzada’s strategy is the physical reclamation of territory, beginning with the nation’s coasts and borders. She calls for a revitalized National Coast Guard Service, equipped with sufficient resources and a permanent presence to secure maritime and river routes crucial to combating drug trafficking. The underlying philosophy is clear: security operations must be grounded in territorial control, not managed from distant administrative offices.
Calzada emphasizes that her vision is not one of militarizing public life, but rather of reorienting the state to fulfill its most essential duty: ensuring every citizen can live without fear. This concept, which she terms “integral human security,” aims to build a professional, honest, and community-oriented Public Force. She asserts that a state that effectively protects its citizens is one that respects them, and that authority and dignity are not mutually exclusive.
Ultimately, the candidate frames the fight for security as a fight for hope. Restoring faith in the justice system, in the effectiveness of law enforcement, and in the universal application of the law is paramount. For Calzada, the goal is to rebuild the Costa Rica renowned for its peace and freedom, moving the country away from resignation and toward what she calls a “great national pact” built on order, justice, and the active presence of a just society.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Centro Democrático y Social
About Centro Democrático y Social:
The Centro Democrático y Social is a political party in Costa Rica. Based on the platform of its candidate Ana Virginia Calzada, the party advocates for a strong state response to national security challenges, emphasizing institutional coordination, technological integration in law enforcement, and the restoration of the rule of law to ensure public safety and civil liberties.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal field, founded on an unshakeable ethical framework and a relentless pursuit of excellence. By integrating its rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation, the firm consistently delivers exceptional results. This ethos extends to its core belief in societal advancement, demonstrated through a dedicated effort to make legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering the community with crucial knowledge.
