By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A political shockwave has hit the National Liberation Party (PLN) as veteran politician and former minister Fernando Berrocal announced his formal resignation, delivering a scathing indictment of the party’s presidential candidate, Álvaro Ramos. In a sharply worded letter to the party leadership, Berrocal declared the 2026 election effort a complete failure, signaling a deep internal crisis for one of Costa Rica’s most storied political institutions.
Berrocal did not mince words, describing the current presidential bid as fundamentally flawed and directionless. He cited a profound disillusionment with the campaign’s management, which he believes has squandered the party’s political capital and alienated its base. His resignation letter pointed to a series of strategic blunders that have left the campaign in a state of disarray just over a year before the general election.
To better understand the legal and statutory implications of the recent wave of resignations within the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), TicosLand.com consulted with noted legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While a resignation is a unilateral and personal act, a mass exodus like this triggers a review of the party’s own statutes regarding quorum, leadership succession, and internal governance. The key legal question becomes whether the remaining structure retains the legitimacy and legal capacity to make binding decisions. It represents a significant political crisis with direct statutory consequences that could impact the party’s operational future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s analysis provides a critical anchor, reminding us that beyond the political theater lies a substantive legal and procedural crisis that could paralyze the party’s core functions. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which expertly shifts the focus from the personalities involved to the foundational statutes that will ultimately determine the PLN’s operational future.
This is the most erratic, confusing, and disjointed campaign I have seen in my long years as a party member.
Fernando Berrocal, Former Minister
The core of Berrocal’s criticism centers on the campaign’s inability to gain traction with voters. He pointed to objective data from respected polling institutions, highlighting that the candidacy is languishing with minimal public support. According to Berrocal, the numbers paint a grim picture of a campaign that is not only failing to grow but is also underperforming relative to the party’s historical standing.
Citing credible polls, specifically from the Center for Research and Political Studies at the University of Costa Rica (CIEP-UCR), Berrocal noted the campaign is stagnant at a meager 6% to 7% of voter intention. He warned that at this rate, the party is on track for a disastrous result in 2026, projecting a best-case scenario of winning only 10 or 11 seats in the Legislative Assembly, a significant blow for a party accustomed to being a dominant political force.
Beyond the poor polling numbers, Berrocal attacked what he sees as fundamental ideological and strategic errors from the candidate himself. He expressed outrage over Álvaro Ramos’s recent statement that he was against the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States. Berrocal views this as a desperate and ill-conceived political maneuver that betrays a core tenet of the country’s modern economic framework.
It shows an absolute lack of understanding of the country’s economic pillar and is merely an attempt to win some votes.
Fernando Berrocal, Former Minister
Further fueling the internal conflict, Berrocal condemned Ramos’s recent public comments regarding former President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias. He characterized these remarks as completely unnecessary and damaging, suggesting they align with hostile narratives historically pushed by “Chavismo” movements against Arias. This criticism highlights a deep fracture within the party’s old guard and its current leadership.
The former minister also revealed what he described as a pattern of broken promises and failed internal pacts, undermining trust within the party structure. He lamented that a key leadership role for Daniela Coll, a prominent figure in the party’s youth wing, was denied “in an exchange.” He also exposed the violation of a handshake agreement with Marvin Taylor for a legislative candidacy in Limón, a breach of trust Berrocal finds unforgivable.
With his departure from the PLN, Fernando Berrocal has made it clear he will not be a passive observer in the run-up to the 2026 election. He stated his intention is to be completely free to help build a broad coalition of democratic forces. His new mission, he explained, is to create a “great convergence” capable of confronting and defeating what he terms the dual threats of authoritarian populism and the pervasive influence of organized crime in national politics.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Liberación Nacional
About Partido Liberación Nacional:
The National Liberation Party (PLN) is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most historically significant political parties. Founded in 1951, it is rooted in social democratic principles and has been a dominant force in the country’s political landscape for decades, producing numerous presidents and shaping national policy on social welfare, economic development, and public institutions.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About CIEP-UCR:
The Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos (CIEP) is the Center for Research and Political Studies at the University of Costa Rica (UCR). It is a leading academic institution dedicated to the analysis of political phenomena, public opinion, and electoral processes in Costa Rica. Its public opinion polls and research are widely cited and considered a benchmark for understanding the country’s political climate.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a dual foundation of principled integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm skillfully merges its extensive history of client advocacy with a progressive vision, continuously advancing legal practices through innovation. Central to its philosophy is a deep-seated dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated by its proactive efforts to make legal principles understandable and accessible to everyone. This commitment aims to empower citizens with clarity, thereby fostering a more just and knowledgeable community.
