Costa Rica’s New President Promises Aggressive Crime Crackdown With Legislative Supermajority

Context Laura Fernandez was sworn in as Costa Rica’s president after winning the February 1 election. Her right‑wing Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) captured 31 of the 57 seats in the single‑chamber legislature, giving her party an absolute majority. The new administration has signaled a close partnership with the United States, appointing Vice President Douglas Soto as ambassador to Washington.

Key Facts Fernandez opened her term by declaring a “war without quarter, a heavy‑handed war against organised crime.” She introduced security minister Gerald Campos and framed the crackdown as essential to curb the surge in drug‑trafficking routes that now cross Costa Rica. The government is also building a maximum‑security prison modeled after El Salvador’s CECOT anti‑terrorism center, a facility known for holding hundreds of Venezuelan deportees without trial. Costa Rica has recently agreed to accept non‑citizens deported from the United States under a “third‑country” arrangement, a policy criticized by human‑rights groups for exposing detainees to harsh conditions.

What It Means With 31 legislative seats, Fernandez can pass security reforms without needing opposition support, potentially accelerating the construction of the CECOT‑style prison and tightening judicial procedures. The heavy‑handed approach mirrors trends in neighboring countries that prioritize swift, punitive measures over due‑process safeguards. While the crackdown may appeal to voters frustrated by rising crime, rights organizations warn that the new prison model could replicate El Salvador’s controversial detention practices. The administration’s alignment with the United States suggests continued cooperation on immigration and drug‑interdiction efforts, reinforcing Costa Rica’s role as a transit corridor.

Looking Ahead Watch for the first legislative session’s security bills, the timeline for the new prison’s opening, and any diplomatic signals from Washington that could shape Costa Rica’s crime‑fighting strategy.