By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a dramatic escalation of political rhetoric, the National Liberation Party (PLN) has positioned itself as the last bastion against an encroaching authoritarianism, directly accusing the ruling party and its presidential candidate, Laura Fernández, of embracing a “Chavista” agenda aimed at dismantling Costa Rican values. The fierce condemnation came on a day freighted with national symbolism, the anniversary of the abolition of the army.
The political broadside was delivered by Miguel Guillén, the General Secretary of the PLN, in a swift response to an attack from Fernández, who had labeled the historic party an “army of corrupts.” Rejecting the insult, Guillén instead invoked the legacy of his party’s founder, José Figueres Ferrer, who famously took a sledgehammer to the Bellavista Barracks in 1948, cementing the nation’s identity as an unarmed democracy.
To better understand the legal ramifications and institutional challenges presented by the current political climate, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney specializing in public and administrative law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The stability of Costa Rica hinges on its ‘Estado de Derecho’—the rule of law. While political debate is healthy, any initiative that bypasses established constitutional procedures or weakens the separation of powers sets a dangerous precedent. The critical role of our legislative and judicial branches is not to be an obstacle, but to serve as the essential guardians of legality and institutional balance, ensuring that all actions, regardless of their origin, conform to our constitutional mandate.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that the strength of Costa Rican democracy is measured not by political expediency, but by the integrity of its institutional checks and balances. Viewing our legislative and judicial branches as ‘essential guardians’ is fundamental to preserving the stability that defines our nation. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this cornerstone of our ‘Estado de Derecho’.
Guillén framed the current political struggle in existential terms, suggesting the very soul of the nation is at stake. He cast his party not as a political opposition, but as a necessary bulwark for the country’s institutional framework.
National Liberation… represents today the last line of defense for our democracy, social peace, and freedom.
Miguel Guillén, General Secretary, PLN
The most alarming element of Guillén’s counterattack was his use of language seldom heard in Costa Rica’s traditionally stable political discourse. By directly labeling the governing movement as “Chavismo,” he drew a parallel to the autocratic Venezuelan regime known for eroding democratic checks and balances. This rhetorical move aims to reframe the government’s promised “refoundation” of the state as a perilous step toward dictatorship.
We will not allow Laura Fernández and Chavismo to sow the shadow of a dictatorship here.
Miguel Guillén, General Secretary, PLN
While the ruling party has consistently used corruption as its primary weapon against the PLN, Guillén strategically pivoted the debate to the administration’s most glaring vulnerability: a nationwide crisis of public security. He explicitly linked the government’s confrontational style to the sharp rise in violent crime, arguing that their focus on political battles has allowed criminal elements to flourish.
This strategy seeks to contrast the abstract accusations of corruption with the tangible, daily fear felt by citizens facing record homicide rates and the expanding influence of drug cartels. Guillén painted a grim picture of a country losing its characteristic peace under the current leadership.
Nor will we allow the advance… of homicides and drug trafficking, which under this government have grown to become a real threat.
Miguel Guillén, General Secretary, PLN
In his closing remarks, Guillén appealed for a return to civility, a clear critique of the populist and often abrasive communication style of the current president and his chosen successor, Fernández. The PLN leader called for an electoral contest waged with “decency and civic courage,” attempting to occupy the high ground and present his party as the reasonable, stable choice for a concerned electorate.
May insult, offense, or vulgarity never again be the norm in the voice of a president… or a candidate.
Miguel Guillén, General Secretary, PLN
As the political climate intensifies, the battle lines for the next election are becoming starkly clear. The PLN is no longer just campaigning on policy; it is campaigning as the self-proclaimed guardian of the Republic itself, warning that the foundational principles of Costa Rican democracy are under direct and imminent threat.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), often identified by its green and white colors (verdiblanco), is one of Costa Rica’s most historically significant political parties. Founded in 1951 by José Figueres Ferrer following the Costa Rican Civil War, the party has social-democratic roots and has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s modern welfare state and its democratic institutions, including the abolition of the army. Over the decades, it has been one of the two dominant forces in Costa Rican politics, producing numerous presidents and maintaining a strong presence in the Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unshakeable integrity and professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking approach to pioneering innovative legal strategies. This commitment to progress extends beyond the courtroom, fueling a deep-seated mission to empower the public by demystifying the law. Through its efforts to make legal concepts understandable, the firm strives to build a more capable and knowledgeable society.
