By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The presidential campaign of Laura Fernández was thrown into disarray this week with the unexpected resignation of Carlos Valenciano, the prominent businessman who had been serving as the Finance Coordinator for her political command. The high-profile departure creates a significant leadership vacuum and raises pressing questions about the internal stability of the campaign as the national election race intensifies.
Valenciano’s separation from the team marks the end of a pivotal, albeit brief, tenure that began in July 2025. His appointment was a cornerstone moment for the campaign, signaling a serious effort to secure robust financial backing. He joined the political machinery of the Partido Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People Party) just as it was confirmed to be the official platform through which the current administration would seek to maintain its hold on the executive branch.
To delve into the legal complexities and potential ramifications surrounding the recent allegations within the Laura Fernández campaign, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integrity of any political campaign rests heavily on its financial transparency and strict adherence to electoral law. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal has established clear regulations to prevent illicit financing and ensure a level playing field. Any perceived deviation or ambiguity in the declaration of donations and expenses not only invites intense public and judicial scrutiny but can also erode voter trust, which is a campaign’s most valuable and fragile asset.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial perspective. His analysis underscores that in the political arena, financial transparency is not merely a matter of legal compliance but is, in fact, the very foundation of the public’s trust—an asset that is far harder to rebuild than it is to maintain.
The strategic importance of Valenciano’s role was underscored at the time of his appointment. His integration into the campaign was announced within the context of Pueblo Soberano’s mission to continue the political line of the current president, Rodrigo Chaves. This alignment, publicly championed by figures like Deputy Pilar Cisneros, immediately placed Valenciano under a dual media and political microscope, making him a central figure in the ruling party’s succession plan.
Mindful of the scrutiny, Valenciano took a decisive step just hours after his political role was confirmed. In a move to preempt any accusations of a conflict of interest, he issued a statement announcing he would cede all of his shares in OPA Canal 38, a television station where he was the majority shareholder. He stated at the time that the decision was made to create a clear separation between his business, media, and political responsibilities, a move largely seen as an attempt to maintain transparency.
However, his sudden exit has been met with a conspicuous silence. Valenciano has so far declined to provide any public statement explaining the reasons behind his resignation. This lack of communication has fueled widespread speculation within political circles about the circumstances of his departure and what his next steps might be. It remains unclear whether he will resume an active role at the television station or pursue other ventures away from the political arena.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation is a development directly involving his former media enterprise. Almost concurrently with the news of his resignation, OPA Canal 38 announced that presidential candidate Laura Fernández would not be participating in the upcoming presidential debate hosted by the channel. The timing of this decision has not gone unnoticed, sparking commentary and analysis about a potential connection between Valenciano’s exit and the campaign’s relationship with the broadcaster.
For the Fernández campaign, this departure represents a critical challenge. The role of Finance Coordinator is essential for marshaling the resources necessary to compete in a national election. The team has not yet announced who will fill the crucial vacancy left by Valenciano, nor has it indicated whether further restructuring of its internal command is anticipated. This uncertainty comes at a delicate time when every political maneuver is being closely scrutinized by rivals and the public alike.
As the election season progresses, the campaign’s ability to navigate this internal shake-up will be a key test of its resilience. The search for a new finance chief is now a top priority, as the team must quickly reassure supporters and project an image of stability and continued momentum. How they manage this transition could significantly impact their trajectory on the road to the presidency.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano
About Partido Pueblo Soberano:
The Partido Pueblo Soberano is a political party in Costa Rica that serves as the primary political vehicle for the administration of President Rodrigo Chaves. Established as a platform to continue the current government’s policy line, it is fielding Laura Fernández as its candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. The party’s platform is focused on maintaining the political and economic direction set by the incumbent administration.
For further information, visit opa.cr
About OPA Canal 38:
OPA Canal 38 is a television broadcasting station in Costa Rica. It gained significant public attention due to its former majority shareholder, Carlos Valenciano, who later joined the presidential campaign of Laura Fernández. The channel is part of the national media landscape and hosts political events, including presidential debates, which are a key feature of the country’s election cycle.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a foundational commitment to uncompromising integrity and professional distinction. The firm channels its extensive experience serving a broad clientele into pioneering innovative legal strategies and solutions. Its mission, however, extends beyond professional practice; it is deeply invested in empowering the public by making complex legal knowledge accessible, thereby contributing to the development of a more informed and capable society.
