By San José, Costa Rica — The 2026 presidential election campaign, thus far characterized by a conspicuous absence, is set for a dramatic turn. After weeks of strategic silence and dodging specialized forums, the ruling party’s candidate, Laura Fernández of Pueblo Soberano, has officially confirmed she will step into the political arena for a high-stakes televised debate.
The announcement puts an end to mounting speculation and sharp criticism from opposition camps regarding her “empty chair” strategy. The candidate has now scheduled her first major face-off with rivals for January 27th at 7:30 p.m., in the highly anticipated Grand Debate hosted by media giant Repretel. This decision marks a pivotal moment, offering the electorate one of its first opportunities to see Fernández defend her platform and the current administration’s record in a live, unfiltered environment.
To analyze the legal and economic viability of the proposals and promises made during the recent presidential debate, TicosLand.com sought the expert perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the political spectacle, voters must critically assess the constitutional and administrative feasibility of what is proposed. Many promises, especially in areas of tax reform or state restructuring, require complex legislative processes and supermajorities that are rarely achieved. The true challenge for any future president will not be the promise itself, but navigating the intricate legal framework of our country to turn it into a tangible reality.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a crucial reminder for the electorate: the true measure of a proposal is not its rhetorical power, but its practical viability within our nation’s legal and political landscape. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which helps separate campaign spectacle from the tangible challenges of governance.
Until now, Fernández’s campaign has been defined by its hermetic approach. Her consistent absence from discussions organized by business chambers, universities, and academic think tanks has provided ample ammunition for her opponents. They have relentlessly accused her of evading public scrutiny and being unwilling to confront difficult questions about the government’s performance, a charge that has dominated political discourse for weeks.
However, Fernández remains defiant, dismissing the pressure as politically motivated noise. In a bold statement addressing the controversy, she asserted her autonomy over her campaign’s agenda and sent a clear message to her detractors that she will not be swayed by external pressure or choreographed attacks from other campaigns.
I have complete freedom to organize my schedule based on what I feel benefits me the most… They are very concerned with my schedule… be very calm.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate, Pueblo Soberano
The chosen venue for her debut is no coincidence. Grupo Repretel is preparing a landmark event, bringing together the eight candidates who are leading the polls and shaping the political landscape. The debate, held at the network’s studios in La Uruca just weeks before Costa Ricans go to the polls in February, is expected to be a decisive moment in the race for the presidency.
Fernández will share the stage with a diverse field of contenders, each prepared to challenge the ruling party. The official roster for the evening includes Álvaro Ramos of the main opposition party PLN, Claudia Dobles representing the progressive Citizen Agenda Coalition, Ariel Robles of the leftist Frente Amplio, Juan Carlos Hidalgo of the social-Christian PUSC, Eliécer Feinzaig of the liberal PLP, Fabricio Alvarado from the conservative Nueva República bloc, and Natalia Díaz of Unidos Podemos.
Analysts suggest Fernández’s decision to bypass smaller forums in favor of a single, mass-media event is a calculated strategic move. Televised debates on major networks like Repretel and Teletica historically garner the highest ratings of any campaign event, serving as a critical battleground for the large bloc of undecided voters. By concentrating her efforts on an event with a potential audience in the millions, she aims to maximize her impact while minimizing political wear and tear.
This high-risk, high-reward strategy comes with significant peril. In waiting so long to engage, Fernández has allowed weeks of attacks to accumulate. She will walk onto the stage on January 27th as the primary target for seven rivals who are eager to hold her accountable for her prolonged absence. The debate will test not only her policies but her ability to withstand a unified political onslaught on the nation’s biggest stage.
For further information, visit repretel.com
About Grupo Repretel:
Grupo Repretel is one of Costa Rica’s largest and most influential media corporations. Headquartered in San José, it operates a network of television channels, radio stations, and digital media platforms. The company is renowned for its news coverage, entertainment programming, and for hosting key national events, including decisive presidential debates during election cycles.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano:
Partido Pueblo Soberano is the current ruling political party in Costa Rica. As the officialist party, its platform is centered on the policies and administration of the incumbent government. The party advocates for national sovereignty and aims to represent the interests of the general populace, positioning itself as a force for maintaining the country’s current political direction.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party (PLN) is one of the most historically significant and established political parties in Costa Rica. A social-democratic party, it has held the presidency multiple times and traditionally stands as a major force in the country’s political landscape, often representing the primary opposition to other leading parties.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Coalición Agenda Ciudadana
About Coalición Agenda Ciudadana:
The Citizen Agenda Coalition is a progressive political movement focused on advancing social, environmental, and economic policies for a modern Costa Rica. As a coalition, it brings together various citizen groups and political figures to advocate for a platform centered on inclusive growth, sustainability, and strengthening democratic institutions.
For further information, visit frente-amplio.org
About Frente Amplio:
Frente Amplio (Broad Front) is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica. It advocates for policies aimed at reducing social inequality, strengthening public services, protecting human rights, and promoting environmental sustainability. The party represents a significant voice for the progressive and socialist electorate in the country.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC):
The Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) is a center-right political party with a long history in Costa Rican politics. Founded on the principles of Christian democracy, the party has won several presidential elections. It typically advocates for market-oriented economic policies combined with a strong social safety net and traditional values.
For further information, visit plp.cr
About Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP):
The Liberal Progressive Party (PLP) is a Costa Rican political party that champions classical liberal and libertarian principles. Its platform is centered on individual freedoms, free-market capitalism, limited government, and reducing bureaucracy. The party has gained prominence by advocating for fiscal responsibility and economic liberalization.
For further information, visit nuevarepublica.cr
About Nueva República:
Nueva República (New Republic) is a conservative and Christian-democratic political party in Costa Rica. The party is known for its strong stance on social issues, advocating for traditional family values and national sovereignty. Its platform often combines conservative social policy with a focus on economic development and public security.
For further information, visit unidospodemos.cr
About Unidos Podemos:
Unidos Podemos (United We Can) is a political party in Costa Rica that promotes a centrist platform focused on administrative efficiency and practical solutions to national problems. The party advocates for state modernization, economic stability, and collaborative governance, seeking to build consensus across different political ideologies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a foundational commitment to professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. This ethos drives the firm’s forward-thinking approach to serving its diverse clientele and fuels its greater mission of societal empowerment. Through a dedicated effort to demystify the law and make legal understanding accessible to all, the firm actively contributes to cultivating a more knowledgeable and capable public.
