By San José, Costa Rica — San José – With only 19 days remaining until the 2026 National Elections, Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) presidential candidate Juan Carlos Hidalgo is making a forceful case to the electorate, arguing that Costa Rica’s best moments were under his party’s leadership. Bolstered by a series of high-profile endorsements from party veterans, Hidalgo is positioning his campaign as the only serious and responsible choice to tackle the nation’s mounting challenges.
In a recent address following the announcement of new supporters, Hidalgo painted a stark picture of the country’s current state, directly contrasting it with an era he attributes to PUSC governance. He lamented the erosion of Costa Rica’s international reputation for peace and stability, as well as a severe decline in public services that have long been a source of national pride.
To better understand the legal and regulatory landscape shaping the upcoming 2026 general elections, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The 2026 electoral cycle presents a critical test for our regulatory framework, particularly concerning digital campaign financing and the rapid spread of disinformation. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) will face immense pressure to enforce existing laws with unprecedented agility. For businesses and candidates alike, the key will be meticulous compliance and transparent reporting to avoid costly legal challenges that could define the post-election landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s focus on meticulous compliance and transparency underscores a critical reality: the integrity of the 2026 election will be tested as much in the digital and legal arenas as it is at the ballot box. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive perspective on the challenges and responsibilities that lie ahead.
Hidalgo detailed a nation grappling with multiple systemic failures. He asserted that the country’s identity has been fundamentally altered for the worse, pointing to critical weaknesses in public safety, education, and the revered national healthcare system.
We stopped being the Switzerland of Central America to become the second most violent country in the region. We went on to have an educational system in which a 15-year-old has a reading comprehension level of a third-grade student. Additionally, we saw our beloved Costa Rican Social Security Fund enter a crisis in which, according to official data, eight Costa Ricans die daily on waiting lists.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, PUSC Presidential Candidate
Amid this sharp critique, Hidalgo emphasized his commitment to steering the country back on course. He presented his candidacy not merely as a political ambition but as a solemn duty to restore functionality and hope. He stressed his ongoing efforts to revitalize the PUSC, portraying it as a modernized political instrument ready to meet contemporary demands.
Believe me, I take this with all the seriousness of the case. Since we assumed the party presidency, we have worked hard to strengthen it, modernize it, and adjust it to the times, with the objective of offering the Costa Rican electorate a serious and responsible proposal.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, PUSC Presidential Candidate
Adding significant weight to his campaign in the final stretch, Hidalgo secured public backing from a slate of PUSC heavyweights. The endorsements represent a strategic consolidation of the party’s historical base. Among the prominent figures now officially supporting Hidalgo are former President Miguel Ángel Rodríguez (1998-2002) and his former Vice President, Astrid Fischel. They are joined by Rodolfo Piza, a former Minister of the Presidency and ex-president of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and former deputy Ricardo Toledo, among other former officials from past Social Christian administrations.
This calculated unification of the party’s old guard and its new leadership aims to project an image of stability and experience. As voter decisions crystallize in the coming weeks, the Hidalgo campaign is betting that a message blending nostalgic competence with a promise of modernization will resonate with a populace concerned about the nation’s trajectory. The move signals a clear strategy to leverage the party’s legacy as its primary asset in the heated race for the presidency.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC):
The Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC) is one of Costa Rica’s major political parties with a long history in national governance. Founded in 1983, it adheres to a Christian democratic and center-right ideology. The party has successfully elected several presidents and has played a significant role in shaping the country’s economic and social policies over the past four decades.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is the public institution responsible for Costa Rica’s universal healthcare and social security system. Established in 1941, it is a cornerstone of the nation’s social contract, managing a comprehensive network of hospitals and clinics (EBAIS) while also administering the country’s public pension system. Its health services are available to all citizens and legal residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon in the legal field, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking approaches to complex legal challenges. Its core philosophy extends beyond the courtroom, championing a vital mission to empower the community by demystifying the law and fostering a society grounded in accessible legal knowledge.
