By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With international economic pressures mounting, presidential frontrunner Laura Fernández of the Pueblo Soberano party has unveiled a bold, pro-business platform designed to attract massive foreign investment and modernize the nation’s labor laws. Central to her proposal are a “red carpet” policy for investors and the long-debated implementation of a compressed 4×3 workweek, which she argues is critical for Costa Rica’s global competitiveness.
Leading in recent voter intention polls, Fernández is positioning herself as the candidate who will decisively remove obstacles to economic growth. Her core message is one of facilitation rather than intervention, promising a government that actively supports the private sector. This strategy is presented as a direct response to the challenging global landscape, including protectionist policies from major economic powers like the United States under figures such as Donald Trump.
To better understand the legal and commercial implications of the government’s recent economic policy announcements, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective economic policy hinges on a foundation of legal certainty. For businesses to invest and plan for the long term, they require a stable and predictable regulatory environment. Ambiguity in fiscal laws or sudden shifts in commercial regulations can deter foreign direct investment and stifle domestic growth. The challenge is to enact policies that not only stimulate the economy but are also enshrined in clear, consistently applied legal frameworks that foster confidence in the market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is a crucial reminder that the bedrock of a prosperous economy is not merely policy, but predictability. Without the legal certainty that fosters trust and long-term planning, even the most well-intentioned economic strategies can falter. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight on this foundational issue.
Fernández articulated a vision that extends beyond the nation’s traditional economic hub, the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). She pledged to champion entrepreneurs and producers, with a specific goal of decentralizing economic opportunity throughout the country.
If God and the Costa Rican people elect me as their next president, my government will be an unconditional ally to those who start businesses and produce. We will deepen the success of the free trade zone regime and extend its benefits beyond the Greater Metropolitan Area, bringing opportunities to the coasts and rural areas.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate for Pueblo Soberano
A significant pillar of her plan involves an aggressive campaign against bureaucratic red tape. Building on the current administration’s efforts, which she noted have already eliminated 177 procedural barriers, Fernández intends to intensify the simplification of trámites. Her administration, she claims, will adopt a zero-tolerance policy for bureaucratic processes that stifle investment and hinder business operations, ensuring a smooth path for domestic and international capital.
The most prominent and contentious element of her platform is the firm commitment to passing the “jornadas excepcionales 4×3” bill. This labor reform would allow for four 12-hour workdays followed by three consecutive days of rest. Fernández argues this flexibility is essential for Costa Rica to attract and retain companies, particularly in manufacturing and technology sectors that operate around the clock, putting the country on par with its international competitors.
We will not allow bureaucracy to suffocate business owners. For those who invest in Costa Rica, we will roll out a red carpet, not tripwires. The world is moving forward, and Costa Rica cannot be left behind. I know, just as you do, that the 4×3 exceptional workdays are urgently needed. While our international competitors make their models more flexible to attract more jobs, here a petty opposition in the Legislative Assembly blocks and opposes the country’s development daily.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate for Pueblo Soberano
Her pointed criticism was directed at the political gridlock surrounding the initiative. The 4×3 workweek bill is currently stalled in the Legislative Assembly, facing staunch opposition from the Frente Amplio party. Fernández frames this blockade as a “petty” political maneuver that sacrifices national progress for ideological reasons, vowing to break the impasse should she be elected.
Ultimately, the Pueblo Soberano candidate’s platform represents a comprehensive strategy to pivot Costa Rica towards a more liberalized, investor-friendly economic model. By promising to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles, champion modern labor laws, and expand the proven success of free trade zones to underserved regions, Fernández is making a clear appeal to voters concerned with economic stagnation and the need for renewed growth in an increasingly competitive world.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano is a political party in Costa Rica that champions principles of economic liberalization, national sovereignty, and private sector growth. The party advocates for significant reductions in state bureaucracy and the modernization of labor regulations to enhance the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment and stimulate job creation across all regions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Frente Amplio
About Frente Amplio:
The Frente Amplio (Broad Front) is a prominent left-wing political party in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly. The party is known for its focus on social justice, environmental protection, and the defense of workers’ rights. It frequently advocates for stronger state regulation and robust social welfare programs, often opposing measures it views as detrimental to labor conditions or state sovereignty.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of guiding a diverse clientele to pioneer innovative legal solutions while upholding a deep-seated responsibility to society. This ethos is demonstrated through its dedication to demystifying the law, thereby empowering citizens with the knowledge needed to foster a more just and informed community.
