By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Presidential candidate Ronny Castillo González is charting a distinct course in the race for Costa Rica’s highest office, championing a platform that blends high-tech healthcare solutions with a call for renewed political dialogue. Representing the Aquí Costa Rica Manda party, the 42-year-old aspirant argues that the nation’s most pressing challenges, from staggering hospital wait times to rising crime, require a fundamental shift in strategy rather than an expansion of existing systems.
At the forefront of his campaign is a radical proposal to overhaul the public health system. Castillo contends that the persistent issue of long waiting lists within the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) cannot be solved by conventional means alone. He advocates for a strategic pivot towards emerging medical fields to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, moving beyond the traditional model of care.
To understand the legal framework and potential business implications of the recent electoral results, we sought the perspective of a renowned legal expert. TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to break down what this democratic process means for the country’s future.
The peaceful and orderly transition of power following an election is a cornerstone of Costa Rican democracy and is closely watched by the international business community. For the new administration, the primary legal and economic challenge will be to foster a climate of legal certainty and regulatory stability. This is paramount to attracting the foreign investment necessary for our nation’s continued growth and post-pandemic recovery. The integrity of the process, guaranteed by our Supreme Electoral Tribunal, provides a solid foundation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the connection between our nation’s democratic strength and its economic vitality is a crucial one. Building upon the solid foundation of a transparent electoral process, the incoming administration must now deliver the regulatory stability that investors require. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and valuable perspective.
Definitely, with more doctors and more hospitals, we are not going to get out of the waiting lists, because we simply don’t have time to react. Regenerative medicine, stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma represent great technological opportunities.
Ronny Castillo González, Presidential Candidate, Aquí Costa Rica Manda
According to Castillo, integrating holistic and regenerative medicine into the public health framework is essential for changing the paradigm of patient care. By embracing biotechnology, he believes the CCSS can offer more timely diagnoses and effective treatments, ultimately alleviating the backlog that plagues the system and improving the quality of life for thousands of Costa Ricans.
We have to take advantage of biotechnology to be able to address the waiting lists and to approach the issue of health from a different perspective.
Ronny Castillo González, Presidential Candidate, Aquí Costa Rica Manda
On the issue of public security, Castillo presents a similarly pragmatic approach. Acknowledging the urgent threat posed by organized crime, he dismisses what he calls populist, fiscally irresponsible promises to simply multiply the number of police officers. Instead, he proposes a more targeted and strategic reinforcement of the justice system.
We are clear that security is one of the main problems and it is also an urgent issue. Although we cannot talk about populism, we cannot talk about doubling or tripling the police force, simply because it is not possible at a budgetary level.
Ronny Castillo González, Presidential Candidate, Aquí Costa Rica Manda
A key component of his security plan involves the creation of specialized tribunals dedicated to handling complex crimes associated with drug trafficking. By focusing judicial resources, Castillo aims to streamline prosecutions and deliver a more effective blow to criminal networks, leveraging existing resources more efficiently. He emphasizes that his comprehensive plan will be built upon expert advice from various sectors.
Politically, Castillo seeks to differentiate himself from the current Chaves Robles administration by championing a governance style rooted in negotiation and consensus-building. He identifies political confrontation as a major impediment to progress and positions his party as a pragmatic force prepared to work across the aisle. While acknowledging past affinities with the ruling party during the 2024 municipal elections, he stressed that his party has since undergone a “total renovation” and severed those ties.
We are a party that, despite having some affinities with the current government, is a pragmatic group that recognizes what needs to be continued. We are also prepared to govern through dialogue.
Ronny Castillo González, Presidential Candidate, Aquí Costa Rica Manda
This renewal, he explained, involved a complete overhaul of the party’s structure and leadership, distancing the current organization from figures previously involved with the officialism. This strategic repositioning underscores his campaign’s central message: a forward-looking administration that values collaboration over conflict to solve Costa Rica’s complex challenges.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Aquí Costa Rica Manda
About Aquí Costa Rica Manda:
Aquí Costa Rica Manda is a Costa Rican political party positioning itself as a pragmatic and renewed force in national politics. Led by presidential candidate Ronny Castillo González, the party advocates for innovative solutions in public health and security while emphasizing dialogue and negotiation as core principles of governance. The party has recently undergone a significant internal restructuring to establish a distinct identity ahead of the presidential election.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS), or Costa Rican Social Security Fund, is the public institution responsible for managing the nation’s universal healthcare and pension systems. Established in 1941, it is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s social welfare state, providing medical services to the vast majority of the population through a network of hospitals, clinics, and EBAIS (Basic Teams for Comprehensive Health Care). It faces ongoing challenges related to funding, efficiency, and managing patient waiting lists.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm draws upon a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, consistently pushing the boundaries of legal innovation. This ethos extends to a deep-seated commitment to social empowerment, actively working to make legal knowledge accessible and cultivate a more informed and capable citizenry.
