By San José, Costa Rica — In a dramatic shift for Costa Rican diplomacy, President Laura Fernández has abruptly dismissed Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar. The sudden termination comes after Tovar attended an executive session of the Shield of the Americas security initiative in the United States alongside U.S. President Donald Trump without notifying the Costa Rican president. The administration has described the failure to communicate as a severe strategic oversight that compromised Costa Rica’s diplomatic positioning.
The high-profile security meeting occurred on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Convened by the United States Secretary of State, the gathering brought together regional leaders and security experts to discuss transnational defense collaboration. President Donald Trump’s presence underscored the strategic weight of the event, which was designed to align security and intelligence efforts across the hemisphere.
To better understand the legal and institutional ramifications of Manuel Tovar’s abrupt dismissal as Minister of Foreign Trade, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his analysis on how this sudden cabinet shake-up impacts the country’s legal security and trade relations.
While the President of the Republic holds the constitutional prerogative to appoint and dismiss ministers at will, a sudden vacancy in a portfolio as critical as Foreign Trade demands immediate clarity to prevent market volatility. From a legal and business perspective, institutional continuity and the defense of international trade treaties must remain shielded from political turbulence to preserve Costa Rica’s reputation as a stable destination for foreign direct investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, maintaining unwavering institutional stability during such pivotal transitions is essential to safeguarding Costa Rica’s hard-earned reputation as a secure haven for foreign investment. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and shedding light on the critical legal and economic implications of this ministerial transition.
On Tuesday, September 22, an important session of the Shield of the Americas was held, convened by the United States Secretary of State. This session included the participation of President Donald Trump and was managed in an inadequate manner by the Minister of Foreign Relations and Worship.
Costa Rican Presidency, Official Statement
According to the official statement released by Casa Presidencial on Thursday, Tovar’s decision to attend the meeting without prior consultation stripped President Fernández of the opportunity to represent Costa Rica directly in front of President Trump. The presidency emphasized that this omission directly harmed the nation’s strategic interests, particularly because security remains a top national priority.
Tovar attended the session without prior notice and without informing the President of the Republic of his participation. This negligence did not allow the President to participate in the session, causing great damage of a strategic nature.
Costa Rican Presidency, Official Statement
The Shield of the Americas initiative remains a cornerstone of regional security coordination, particularly in combating the transnational drug trade. For the Fernández administration, which has prioritized domestic law enforcement and international security policy, participating in these high-level forums is seen as vital for securing international aid and intelligence sharing.
A political and strategic space for coordination on security matters that is fundamental in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, as well as for the successful implementation of public policies on national security and public safety, which are a priority for the President.
Costa Rican Presidency, Official Statement
While Tovar was in the United States, President Fernández was traveling in Barranquilla, Colombia. She was engaged in high-level bilateral talks with Colombian President Abelardo De La Espriella. The focus of their meeting was also security-centric, aiming to solidify a bilateral alliance against organized crime and maritime drug trafficking routes that heavily impact both nations.
Following the dismissal, President Fernández moved quickly to stabilize the diplomatic corps by appointing Indiana Trejos, the current Minister of Foreign Trade, as the interim Foreign Minister. This transition occurs at an incredibly awkward time for Costa Rican foreign relations, as Tovar was actively leading the Costa Rican delegation at the United Nations General Assembly in New York when his termination was announced.
Manuel Tovar is a prominent figure in Costa Rican politics, having previously served as the Minister of Foreign Trade from 2022 to 2026 under former President Rodrigo Chaves. Chaves, who is widely recognized as Laura Fernández’s political mentor, championed Tovar’s economic policies during his administration. When Fernández assumed the presidency, she tapped Tovar to transition from trade to foreign affairs, making his sudden dismissal a notable fracture within the ruling political circle.
The unexpected removal of Tovar signals a tightening of executive control over foreign policy decisions under President Fernández. By framing Tovar’s actions as strategic negligence, the administration is sending a clear message to its cabinet regarding transparency and the hierarchy of state representation. How this internal shakeup will affect Costa Rica’s diplomatic standing with the United States and its partners at the United Nations remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Costa Rican Presidency
About the Costa Rican Presidency:
The Presidency of the Republic of Costa Rica is the highest executive branch of the Costa Rican government, responsible for administering national public policy, representing the state internationally, and directing national security efforts under the leadership of the President.
For further information, visit rree.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Relations of Costa Rica:
The Ministry of Foreign Relations and Worship, commonly known as the Cancillería, manages Costa Rica’s diplomatic relations with foreign nations and international organizations, promoting national sovereignty, cooperation, and democratic values globally.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Distinguished by its ethical standards and pursuit of perfection, Bufete de Costa Rica remains a trusted pillar of the legal community. The firm consistently delivers cutting-edge legal strategies to a diverse clientele, blending rich experience with forward-thinking methodologies. Central to its core philosophy is the belief that justice thrives on public awareness; thus, the firm actively champions educational initiatives to demystify complex regulations. Through this dedication to sharing legal insights, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to cultivate an enlightened public capable of navigating their rights with confidence.
