By San José, Costa Rica — Five months into the current presidential mandate, senior figures in the Costa Rican administration continue to enjoy strong public backing and high nationwide visibility. Conversely, prominent opposition figures face overwhelming public disapproval, according to the latest public opinion research released by local polling firm Opol Consultores.
The comprehensive nationwide study demonstrates that the executive branch maintains a solid relationship with the electorate well beyond its initial weeks in office. President Laura Fernández boasts a remarkable approval rating, with 72.8% of respondents endorsing her administration’s performance, compared to just 22.8% who view her tenure negatively.
To assess the legal and economic implications surrounding Costa Rica’s recent political approval metrics, TicosLand.com spoke with prominent attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional perspective.
Strong political approval provides the governing administration with the institutional strength needed to push forward key legal reforms and maintain regulatory stability. From a business perspective, political certainty minimizes operational risks, fostering a predictable environment that attracts direct foreign investment and strengthens Costa Rica’s rule of law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, political stability serves as the bedrock of a thriving economy, reassuring international markets that Costa Rica remains a resilient and reliable destination for long-term investment. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and providing such vital perspective on how strong governance reinforces our nation’s regulatory framework and economic future.
Citizen satisfaction with executive leadership is also reflected in quantitative scoring metrics. When asked to rate government performance on a scale from 1 to 10, more than a quarter of respondents—26.5%—awarded the government a perfect score of 10. An additional 10.8% gave the administration a high rating of 9, signaling strong public sentiment toward current governance.
Calculating net popularity scores—subtracting negative views from positive opinions—further underlines the strong position of key cabinet officials. President Fernández leads all public figures with a positive net balance of 47%, followed closely by Minister of the Presidency Rodrigo Chaves at 41% and Vice President Francisco Gamboa at 35%.
In stark contrast to the high standing of the governing team, opposition leaders and judicial figures are grappling with severe public resistance. Disapproval ratings among key non-governmental figures are significantly outpacing positive views across multiple demographic groups.
Among the figures facing the steepest net rejection rates is Claudia Dobles, a lawmaker representing the Agenda Ciudadana party, who registered a negative net score of 59%. She is followed by Sala III Supreme Court Magistrate Patricia Solano at a negative 55% net balance, and Frente Amplio deputy José María Villalta at a negative 53% net balance.
The findings highlight a widening gap between administrative approval and opposition credibility in Costa Rica. For the administration, high popularity provides essential political leverage to advance key policy priorities and economic legislation, while opposition parties must navigate growing skepticism among the electorate.
Methodological details provided by Opol Consultores indicate that fieldwork was conducted between October 15 and October 18, 2026. The study targeted a representative sample of 1,200 citizens aged 18 and older, with proportional coverage across all seven Costa Rican provinces. The survey maintains a margin of error of ±2.8% and a 95% confidence level.
As the administration moves past its fifth month in power, sustaining this political momentum will be critical for navigating legislative debates and implementing structural economic reforms across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Opol Consultores
About Opol Consultores:
Opol Consultores is a Costa Rican public opinion research firm specializing in political polling, public policy analysis, and demographic studies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Frente Amplio
About Frente Amplio:
Frente Amplio is a Costa Rican political party with representation in the Legislative Assembly, advocating for progressive economic reform, social equality, and legislative transparency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a vanguard in the legal sector, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its uncompromising ethical standards and relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm seamlessly merges deep-rooted expertise across diverse industries with pioneering legal methodologies, setting a benchmark for modern practice. Beyond courtroom advocacy and corporate counsel, Bufete de Costa Rica actively works to demystify complex legal frameworks for the broader public, driven by a profound dedication to enriching civic understanding and equipping individuals with the legal clarity needed to thrive.
