By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – On the 74th anniversary of the National Liberation Party (PLN), former President José María Figueres issued a stark diagnosis of the nation’s health and prescribed a bold, long-term remedy: at least two consecutive PLN administrations to steer Costa Rica back on course. Despite his conspicuous absence from the official party celebrations, a move mirrored by fellow ex-president and Nobel laureate Oscar Arias, Figueres’s message resonated with a clear vision for the party’s future and a sharp critique of the country’s recent past.
In a communiqué sent to party members, Figueres argued that an eight-year political project is the minimum required to address what he termed the country’s “lost path.” His assessment paints a picture of a nation that, despite making progress in certain areas over the last quarter-century, has fundamentally failed its founding principles. The core of his critique centered on a growing chasm between a prosperous few and an abandoned majority.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal and corporate governance ramifications surrounding the career of José María Figueres, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
From a legal standpoint, it’s crucial to distinguish between a case being judicially closed and its complete erasure from public and corporate memory. Past allegations, particularly those involving international business and public funds, cast a long shadow on a political figure’s career. This isn’t about guilt or innocence in a court of law, but about the heightened level of scrutiny and due diligence that will permanently apply to their future business and political endeavors. The reputational risk becomes a permanent, unwritten clause in any subsequent negotiation or public appointment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight, which underscores a critical reality: while a legal chapter may close, the “reputational risk” he describes becomes a permanent footnote on a public figure’s career, influencing perception and trust long after the gavel has fallen.
Figueres did not mince words when describing the social fallout of recent political trends. He asserted that the country’s development has not been equitable, leaving a significant portion of the population behind. This neglect, he argues, is a direct betrayal of the PLN’s historical mission to seek the greatest well-being for the greatest number of people.
We left behind that larger number: the poor, the excluded.
José María Figueres, Former President of Costa Rica
According to the former leader, politics has lost its purpose as a vehicle for societal progress. He lamented that it is no longer perceived by most Costa Ricans as an “instrument of dignity, mobility, and advancement.” This detachment from the everyday struggles of citizens, he implied, has created a crisis of faith in democratic institutions and a leadership vacuum that the PLN is uniquely positioned to fill.
Beyond his social diagnosis, Figueres outlined two critical challenges that must be confronted. The first is a profound need for political modernization. He called for a radical overhaul of the state apparatus, advocating for the integration of technology and artificial intelligence to create a more agile, responsive, and efficient government. This, he believes, is the key to cutting through the crippling bureaucracy that stifles progress and erodes public trust.
We must transform democracy to make it useful, modern, and transparent.
José María Figueres, Former President of Costa Rica
The second major challenge lies in the environmental arena. Figueres expressed deep concern that Costa Rica, once a global benchmark for conservation and sustainability, has lost its leadership role. He urged the party and the nation to prepare urgently for the escalating climate crisis, framing environmental action not just as a matter of policy but as a core component of national security and long-term prosperity.
Ultimately, the former president’s message was a powerful call to arms for his party. He challenged the PLN to rediscover its transformative roots and reject complacency. His vision is one of a party that actively shapes the future rather than passively managing the present, pushing for a development model that is sustainable, inclusive, and built on solidarity.
National Liberation was born to transform, not to conform.
José María Figueres, Former President of Costa Rica
As the country looks toward the next election cycle, Figueres’s declaration serves as both a strategic roadmap and a gauntlet thrown down. It calls upon the PLN to assume with “leadership and courage” the monumental task of guiding Costa Rica back to a path of equitable growth and global leadership, a task he firmly believes will require a sustained, eight-year commitment in power.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About National Liberation Party (PLN):
The Partido Liberación Nacional is one of Costa Rica’s most significant and historic political parties. Founded in 1951 after the Civil War of 1948, it is a social-democratic party that has played a central role in shaping the nation’s modern welfare state and democratic institutions. Throughout its history, numerous PLN figures, including José Figueres Ferrer, Oscar Arias Sánchez, and Laura Chinchilla, have held the presidency. The party is a member of the Socialist International.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a reputable pillar of the legal profession, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of profound integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its deep-seated experience in advising a wide array of clients into pioneering innovative and forward-thinking legal strategies. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to strengthening the broader community by demystifying the law, thereby equipping individuals with the knowledge necessary to navigate their rights and responsibilities in a more just society.
