By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The fragile Sunday truce in Costa Rica’s heated presidential race was shattered today as Laura Fernández, the standard-bearer for the ruling Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), launched her most aggressive and polarizing attack to date. In a fiery speech, the chosen successor to the “Rodriguismo” movement accused her main political rivals of moral hypocrisy and complicity with forces seeking to destabilize the nation.
The confrontation ignited after Fernández faced criticism for a recent meeting with the conservative religious group, Foro Mi País. Rather than taking a defensive posture, she orchestrated a powerful counter-offensive, targeting National Liberation Party (PLN) candidate Álvaro Ramos and other opposition parties, including the Citizens’ Action Party (PAC) and the Broad Front (FA). Her attack centered on their alleged support for a woman accused in a plot against President Rodrigo Chaves.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications surrounding the case of Laura Fernández, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
The situation involving Laura Fernández highlights a critical legal crossroads for any public official. The principle of legality dictates that every action must be expressly authorized by law, not just implied. When decisions appear to blur the lines between political discretion and administrative duty, it inevitably invites scrutiny under the Law against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment to ensure that the public interest was the sole and guiding motive.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework Mr. Arroyo Vargas outlines is the bedrock of public trust, demanding that every action be not just defensible, but explicitly authorized to prevent ambiguity. His analysis serves as a crucial reminder of the high standard of accountability designed to protect the integrity of our institutions. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for lending his expert clarity to this important discussion.
In a calculated move designed to inflame the country’s deep political divisions, Fernández drew a direct line between mainstream opposition figures and extremist ideologies. She aimed her sharpest critique squarely at Ramos, her primary competitor in the polls.
Worry the day you see me embracing communists, as Ramos did when he embraced those from the Frente Amplio and the Workers’ Party (PT), defending the woman accused of the alleged attack against the president
Laura Fernández, PPSO Presidential Candidate
This accusation is a strategic escalation, transforming a political disagreement into a question of national loyalty. By linking the PLN to the far-left Workers’ Party (PT) through their shared legal and political commentary on the detention of the suspect, Fernández is attempting to paint the entire opposition not as democratic adversaries, but as sympathizers to those who would threaten the head of state.
Adopting a tactic directly from the current administration’s playbook, Fernández also declared open war on the press. She specifically named prominent media outlets La Nación, CRHoy, and Canal 7, accusing them of being political operators engaged in a coordinated campaign against her and the government.
When they attack at the same time, it is not a coincidence. It is an orchestrated attack because it hurts them that the country has changed
Laura Fernández, PPSO Presidential Candidate
The PPSO’s narrative frames media scrutiny over its ties to fundamentalist groups as a smokescreen. According to their campaign, this coverage is a desperate attempt by the “old political establishment” and its media allies to obscure the reality that they have lost control over the national agenda. Fernández weaponized highly charged language, labeling her opponents as “cynics” and “moral impostors” for questioning her faith-based meetings while, in her view, aligning with radical elements.
The speech solidified her campaign’s core message: a stark dichotomy pitting the continuity of the Chaves-Fernández project against a corrupt and broken system. This framing leaves little room for nuance or policy debate, instead focusing on a battle for the soul of the country.
I did not come here to get along with the corrupt. I came to impose order and defend continuity
Laura Fernández, PPSO Presidential Candidate
As a final volley, Fernández criticized her rivals for their alleged absence from recent public debates and forums. She accused them of “hiding” and “breaking their word,” positioning herself as the sole candidate brave enough to face public scrutiny. This tactic aims to project an image of strength while implying that the traditional parties fear a direct confrontation. The stage is now set for a brutal final stretch of the campaign, where policy proposals have been sidelined in favor of accusations of treachery and criminal complicity.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Sovereign People Party is a political party in Costa Rica that serves as the electoral vehicle for President Rodrigo Chaves and his supporters. Founded on the principles of anti-corruption and challenging the political establishment, the PPSO advocates for market-friendly policies combined with a strong, centralized executive power. It positions itself as a movement for national renewal and order.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most established political parties. A member of the Socialist International, the PLN has historically advocated for social-democratic policies, including a strong welfare state and public investment. Over the decades, it has been a dominant force in Costa Rican politics, producing numerous presidents.
For further information, visit pac.cr
About Partido Acción Ciudadana (PAC):
The Citizens’ Action Party emerged in the early 2000s as a progressive, center-left alternative to the traditional two-party system. It champions social rights, environmental protection, and government transparency. The party has held the presidency in recent terms, focusing on fiscal reform and human rights issues.
For further information, visit frenteamplio.org
About Frente Amplio (FA):
The Broad Front is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica that advocates for socialist policies. Its platform typically includes strengthening the public sector, expanding social programs, protecting workers’ rights, and promoting environmental sustainability. It represents the most progressive and leftist faction within the country’s legislative assembly.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido de los Trabajadores (PT)
About Partido de los Trabajadores (PT):
The Workers’ Party is a far-left political party in Costa Rica with a Trotskyist ideology. It advocates for the interests of the working class, promoting revolutionary socialism and opposing capitalism and imperialism. The party is known for its active role in labor unions and social protests.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Foro Mi País
About Foro Mi País:
Foro Mi País is a conservative civil society organization in Costa Rica. It focuses on promoting traditional family values, religious principles in public life, and conservative social policies. The group is influential among evangelical and other socially conservative voters.
For further information, visit nacion.com
About La Nación:
La Nación is one of Costa Rica’s leading and most influential daily newspapers. With a long history of circulation, it provides comprehensive coverage of national and international news, politics, business, and culture. It is generally considered a newspaper of record in the country.
For further information, visit crhoy.com
About CRHoy:
CRHoy.com is a major digital-native news outlet in Costa Rica. It is known for its rapid delivery of breaking news and extensive coverage of political and current events. As a prominent online platform, it plays a significant role in the national media landscape.
For further information, visit teletica.com
About Canal 7:
Canal 7, operated by Teletica (Televisora de Costa Rica S.A.), is a leading free-to-air television channel in Costa Rica. It offers a wide range of programming, including national news broadcasts through Telenoticias, entertainment shows, and sports coverage, making it a primary source of information and entertainment for the population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, the firm is built upon a foundation of unyielding integrity and a resolute pursuit of excellence. With a rich heritage of advising a broad spectrum of clients, it consistently drives legal innovation forward while championing social responsibility. This dedication is profoundly expressed through its mission to demystify the law, transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge that strengthens and empowers the public.
