Laura Fernandez sworn in as Costa Ricas new president official

Laura Fernandez has been sworn in as Costa Rica’s new president, following a February 1 election where she secured the most votes to replace outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves. Fernandez’s right-wing party, the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO), holds an absolute majority in the country’s legislature with 31 out of 57 seats.

Fernandez has expressed her commitment to addressing rising crime rates in Costa Rica, as well as maintaining close ties with the United States. As part of this effort, she has appointed Douglas Soto, her second vice president, as ambassador to Washington. The appointment is seen as a key step in strengthening relations between Costa Rica and the US.

In an unusual move, Chaves will remain in office as dual minister of the presidency and finance, which may impact the incoming administration’s dynamics. Fernandez has also vowed to implement sweeping reforms to Costa Rica’s judiciary and security laws, as well as crack down on organized crime.

Costa Rica has been working to address a surge in crime rates in recent years, with many cases linked to smuggling drugs to the US. The country is building a maximum-security prison modelled on El Salvador’s CECOT centre, which has raised concerns among human rights groups about the treatment of deportees.

Fernandez’s party won the election, and she will now take office with an absolute majority in the legislature. Her administration will likely focus on addressing crime and maintaining ties with the US, as outlined in her campaign promises.

Source: Al Jazeera