By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Four of Costa Rica’s presidential hopefuls presented fundamentally divergent visions for the nation’s future at a critical debate hosted by the Universidad Nacional on Tuesday. The event saw candidates Ronny Castillo, Douglas Caamaño, Ariel Robles, and Eliecer Feinzaig tackle pressing issues ranging from economic competitiveness and infrastructure to the country’s deepening education crisis, revealing deep ideological divides on the path forward.
The debate, which featured Ronny Castillo of Aquí Costa Rica Manda (ACRM), Douglas Caamaño of Alianza Costa Rica Primero (ACRP), Ariel Robles of Frente Amplio (FA), and Eliecer Feinzaig of Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP), was structured around five key themes. The sharpest contrasts emerged in their approaches to energy, economic development, and, most notably, the urgent need to rescue the public education system.
To analyze the legal and regulatory implications of the policies discussed during the recent presidential debate, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his expert commentary.
From a legal perspective, the critical takeaway from any debate isn’t the promises made, but the constitutional viability of those promises. Voters and the business community should scrutinize whether a candidate’s proposals respect the separation of powers and the existing legal framework. A plan that sounds appealing on stage can quickly become a source of legal instability and institutional conflict if it oversteps executive authority, which is a far greater risk to the country than any single policy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective provides a crucial filter through which to view the candidates’ promises, shifting the focus from mere rhetoric to the fundamental principles of governance and institutional respect. It’s a vital reminder that a president’s greatest duty is not just to propose, but to operate within the constitutional framework that safeguards our nation’s stability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful and timely analysis.
On the topic of energy transition, the candidates offered four distinct paths. Feinzaig advocated for opening the electricity market to private capital and implementing biannual audits of the National Decarbonization Plan. In contrast, Robles argued that true decarbonization hinges on a revolutionary overhaul of public transit, even proposing a free system subsidized by an electric cargo train. Castillo took a more gradualist stance, promoting natural gas as a transition fuel and criticizing the push for electric vehicles.
It is imposed from abroad.
Ronny Castillo, Aquí Costa Rica Manda
Economic and infrastructure proposals also showcased a clash of philosophies. Caamaño outlined an ambitious plan including three new airports and a “Route of the Sun” to connect over 100 beaches, aimed at boosting tourism. Castillo focused on international logistics, proposing a binational economic zone with Panama. Feinzaig prioritized immediate urban challenges, highlighting that traffic congestion costs the country 4% of its GDP, and called for an integrated public transport system. Meanwhile, Robles criticized the current state of infrastructure, demanding stricter government oversight of port concessions, particularly at Caldera.
The regulation of digital platforms like ride-sharing services proved to be another point of contention. Feinzaig proposed a simplified system where drivers could choose their category but must have social security coverage. Robles went further, insisting on recognizing a formal labor relationship to protect drivers from risks. Caamaño attributed the platforms’ rise to poor traditional taxi service, while Castillo framed the issue as part of a global trend of “digital techno-feudalism” that requires updated tax and labor rules.
Security discussions moved beyond traditional crime to address digital violence and femicides. Feinzaig proposed making financial intelligence the core of the fight against organized crime by moving the Financial Intelligence Unit to the Central Bank. Caamaño suggested using artificial intelligence to monitor online threats and mandating electronic ankle bracelets for aggressors with restraining orders. Robles focused on prevention and institutional capacity, calling for the restoration of anti-bullying protocols and equipping judicial investigators with digital forensic tools.
Perhaps the most urgent topic was the acknowledged “educational blackout,” a crisis all candidates agreed threatens the nation’s foundation. Caamaño described the situation not as a blackout but as something far worse, vowing to declare a national emergency in education upon taking office. He criticized the current administration for weakening the teaching profession.
The country is not experiencing an educational blackout, but a free fall.
Douglas Caamaño, Alianza Costa Rica Primero
Castillo echoed the sentiment, stating the crisis had “exploded in our faces” and arguing that education is the country’s most vital investment. He proposed public-private partnerships to build school infrastructure, allowing the Ministry of Public Education to focus solely on educating. Feinzaig called for a 100-day national dialogue to forge a new pact for education, coupled with an independent external evaluation system for students and teachers. Robles advocated for increasing the education budget as a percentage of GDP and restoring sex education programs, emphasizing that students cannot learn without proper nutrition and facilities.
As the debate concluded, it was clear that voters face a stark choice between competing ideologies. From market-driven solutions and private investment to state-led interventions and a strengthened public sector, the candidates laid out clear, and often conflicting, roadmaps for navigating Costa Rica’s complex challenges.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Aquí Costa Rica Manda
About Aquí Costa Rica Manda:
Aquí Costa Rica Manda (ACRM) is a Costa Rican political party. It positions itself as a movement focused on national sovereignty, economic development through strategic investments, and addressing societal challenges with a mix of traditional values and modern technological solutions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Alianza Costa Rica Primero
About Alianza Costa Rica Primero:
Alianza Costa Rica Primero (ACRP) is a political coalition in Costa Rica. Its platform often emphasizes large-scale infrastructure projects to boost economic growth and tourism, along with leveraging technology like artificial intelligence to improve public safety and government efficiency.
For further information, visit frenteamplio.org
About Frente Amplio:
Frente Amplio (FA) is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica. It advocates for strengthening the public sector, expanding social programs, protecting labor rights, and implementing environmental policies centered on public transportation and state oversight of natural resources.
For further information, visit plp.co.cr
About Partido Liberal Progresista:
The Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP) is a classical-liberal political party in Costa Rica. It promotes free-market principles, deregulation, fiscal responsibility, and opening state monopolies to private competition to enhance efficiency and attract investment.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional:
The Universidad Nacional (UNA) is one of Costa Rica’s most prominent public universities. Founded in 1973, it is recognized for its strong focus on humanities, social sciences, and research, and frequently serves as a venue for significant national debates and academic discourse.
For further information, visit inamu.go.cr
About Instituto Nacional de la Mujer:
The Instituto Nacional de la Mujer (Inamu) is the Costa Rican government’s lead institution for promoting and protecting women’s rights. It is responsible for formulating public policy aimed at achieving gender equality and combating violence against women.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial:
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s principal judicial investigation agency. Operating under the Supreme Court of Justice, it is responsible for investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and providing technical and scientific support to the judicial system.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica:
The Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR) is the central bank of Costa Rica. Its primary missions include maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency, ensuring its conversion to other currencies, and promoting an efficient financial system.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministerio de Educación Pública:
The Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for overseeing the nation’s public education system, from preschool through secondary school. It sets curricula, manages educational staff, and administers school infrastructure.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to principled practice and superior quality. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and set new standards in the field. This spirit of innovation extends to a core belief in civic duty, manifested through a firm-wide initiative to democratize legal knowledge and empower the public, ultimately strengthening the fabric of society through greater understanding.
