Background on Laura Fernández Delgado
Laura Fernández Delgado, a 39-year-old political scientist, has been elected as the new President of Costa Rica following a landslide victory in the presidential election held on February 1, 2023. She secured 48.3% of the votes, surpassing the necessary threshold by eight percentage points according to 94% of the vote count reported by Costa Rica’s Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE).
Key Campaign Promises and Controversies
- Security Focus: Fernández Delgado’s campaign heavily emphasized her plans to tackle drug trafficking, capitalizing on the primary concern of Costa Rican voters. Her proposals for security reforms and alterations to state powers have raised concerns among opponents who view them as an attempt to centralize power, similar to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s approach.
- No Mention of Crime in Victory Speech: Despite her campaign’s focus on security, Fernández Delgado did not address crime or violence in her victory speech. Instead, she declared herself a “convinced democrat” and “defender of freedom,” while criticizing the press, mirroring the tactics of her mentor and popular yet polarizing President Rodrigo Chaves.
- Vague Promises of Change: In her victory speech, Fernández Delgado warned that the change would be “profound and irreversible,” without providing specifics. She also mentioned altering “certain rules of the political game.”
Public Reactions and Regional Implications
As soon as initial results indicated her significant lead, supporters of Fernández Delgado gathered in symbolic locations across Costa Rica to celebrate. Caravans of vehicles flying turquoise flags and street parties quickly emerged in major cities like San José.
Fernández Delgado’s victory strengthens the right-wing trend in Latin America, following recent triumphs in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Honduras. This year will also see presidential elections in Brazil and Colombia, currently governed by left-leaning administrations.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s Congratulatory Message
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated Fernández Delgado via her X (formerly Twitter) account, reaffirming Mexico’s commitment to strengthening friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect with Costa Rica.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Laura Fernández Delgado? Laura Fernández Delgado is a 39-year-old political scientist who was elected as the new President of Costa Rica on February 1, 2023.
- What were her key campaign promises? Fernández Delgado focused on tackling drug trafficking and proposed security reforms along with alterations to state powers.
- What concerns do her opponents have? Opponents worry that her plans may lead to the centralization of power, similar to Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s approach.
- What did she address in her victory speech? In her victory speech, Fernández Delgado emphasized her commitment to democracy and freedom but did not address crime or violence. She also vaguely warned of profound and irreversible change without specifying details.
- What are the regional implications of her victory? Fernández Delgado’s win adds to the right-wing momentum in Latin America, following recent election successes in Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Honduras. Brazil and Colombia will hold presidential elections this year, currently governed by left-leaning administrations.
