President Fernández Vows Judiciary Reform Amid Security Crisis and Chaves’ Influence

Marking a month since Attorney General Carlo Díaz accused the ruling movement of curbing citizens’ rights, President Laura Fernández Delgado warned that rising insecurity threatens Costa Rica’s development model. She called for a modernization of the judiciary, criticizing the lack of mechanisms to evaluate magistrates and suggesting popular elections for senior judges. Fernández refuted accusations of an institutional coup, stating that any overreach by one branch would be unconstitutional.

While acknowledging Chaves’ extensive influence as finance minister and minister of the presidency, she affirmed that both leaders operate within legal limits. The president also noted existing U.S. DEA and FBI cooperation on drug operations and expressed openness to legislative reviews to enhance joint efforts. Finally, she dismissed the idea that Costa Rica is adopting a “Bukele-style” regime, citing only the adoption of maximum-security prisons.