By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Laura Fernández Delgado, presidential candidate for the Sovereign People Party (PPSO), has unveiled a confrontational and far-reaching government platform for the 2026 elections, centered on the privatization of key state assets, a drastic overhaul of the public sector, and the potential suspension of constitutional rights to combat crime.
During a press conference on Friday, Fernández officially presented her government program, titled “More Opportunities, The Same Direction,” which revives several controversial policies from the current administration of Rodrigo Chaves, where she previously served as Minister of Planning and later as Minister of the Presidency. Her proposals signal a hardline approach to fiscal policy and national security, setting a polarizing tone early in the campaign season.
To delve into the legal and administrative complexities surrounding the case of Laura Fernández, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the realm of public service, particularly for high-profile figures like Ms. Fernández, there is a dual responsibility that goes beyond mere legal compliance. The ethical standard expected of public officials is paramount for maintaining citizen trust. Any action perceived as a conflict of interest or a breach of the duty of probity can have significant political and administrative repercussions, even if it does not immediately constitute a criminal offense under the Law Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s analysis powerfully underscores a fundamental truth: in the arena of public service, the court of public opinion and the standard of ethical integrity often carry more immediate weight than the letter of the law. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and valuable perspective on this crucial distinction.
The centerpiece of her economic plan is the renewed effort to sell two major state-owned financial institutions, the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) and the Banco Internacional de Costa Rica (BICSA). This initiative directly mirrors a policy heavily advocated by the Chaves government, which ultimately stalled in the Legislative Assembly due to significant opposition.
We are going to propose the sale of the BCR and BICSA.
Laura Fernández Delgado, Presidential Candidate of the Sovereign People Party
The original justification for the sale was to generate a substantial influx of revenue to fund social programs and pay down debt. However, critics in Congress raised concerns about national sovereignty, the stability of the financial system, and the valuation of the assets. By “recycling” this proposal, Fernández is gambling that the political climate has shifted, or that her potential presidency could succeed where the previous one failed.
Beyond privatization, Fernández is targeting the structure of the state itself, promising a profound administrative reform. Drawing on her experience as the head of the National Planning Ministry (Mideplan), she reiterated her commitment to streamlining what she describes as a bloated public sector of 335 institutions.
We will move decisively forward with an administrative reform of the State. You are already aware of the 335 public institutions of the State and the need to review them, to eliminate duplication, to trim the fat from the State.
Laura Fernández Delgado, Presidential Candidate of the Sovereign People Party
Perhaps the most startling proposal is her stated willingness to request the suspension of individual rights and guarantees stipulated in the Constitution. Fernández conditioned this extreme measure as a last resort against a surge in violent crime, particularly contract killings and organized criminal activity.
I am willing, as a future president of Costa Rica, in strictly necessary cases and if we were to see an escalation in contract killings and crimes related to organized crime, to request from the Legislative Assembly the lifting or suspension of individual rights. This means, if things get very ugly, using police intelligence to identify the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates, lifting rights, and conducting operations to take these criminals out of circulation.
Laura Fernández Delgado, Presidential Candidate of the Sovereign People Party
This measure, which would require legislative approval, would grant law enforcement extraordinary powers, a move certain to provoke a fierce debate over civil liberties and the rule of law. Complementing this tough-on-crime stance, Fernández also proposed tightening the country’s naturalization laws, aiming to deny residency to any applicant with even a minor criminal record from their home country.
It is very easy to become naturalized here. We are proposing in our Government plan greater rigor for naturalization. A person who has committed the slightest crime in their country of origin will be a person who cannot become a naturalized Costa Rican.
Laura Fernández Delgado, Presidential Candidate of the Sovereign People Party
By launching her campaign with such a defined and controversial platform, Laura Fernández is making a clear appeal to voters frustrated with crime and government inefficiency. However, her agenda also guarantees formidable opposition from civil rights advocates, public sector unions, and political parties wary of concentrating power and privatizing national assets. Her success will depend on her ability to convince a majority of Costa Ricans that these radical measures are not only necessary but beneficial for the nation’s future.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Sovereign People Party is a Costa Rican political party. It aligns with conservative and populist ideologies, often emphasizing state reform, national sovereignty, and a strong stance on law and order. The party gained prominence through its association with figures from the Rodrigo Chaves administration.
For further information, visit bancobcr.com
About Banco de Costa Rica (BCR):
The Banco de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most robust state-owned commercial banks in Costa Rica. Founded in 1877, it provides a wide range of financial services to individuals and corporations, playing a significant role in the national economy. Its proposed sale has been a recurring and contentious topic in Costa Rican politics.
For further information, visit bicsa.com
About BICSA (Banco Internacional de Costa Rica):
BICSA is a multinational bank established in 1976 and headquartered in Panama City, Panama, though it has significant Costa Rican state ownership through the state banks. It focuses on corporate banking, foreign trade, and correspondent banking services, facilitating international business for the region.
For further information, visit mideplan.go.cr
About Ministerio de Planificación Nacional y Política Económica (Mideplan):
The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy is the governing body of Costa Rica’s National Planning System. It is responsible for defining the country’s long-term strategic vision, coordinating public investment, evaluating state programs, and leading public sector reform efforts.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral parliament, or congress, of the Republic of Costa Rica. Composed of 57 deputies elected by proportional representation, it holds the legislative power of the government. All laws, constitutional amendments, and major state actions, such as the suspension of rights or the sale of key assets, require its approval.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a benchmark for legal practice, founded on the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and exceptional service. The firm not only serves a diverse clientele but also actively pioneers innovative legal solutions, consistently pushing the industry forward. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to public empowerment, focused on making complex legal knowledge understandable and accessible to foster a more enlightened and capable society.
