Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a Central American nation known for its biodiversity and previously stable democracy. Recently, the country has experienced a shift to the right, culminating in the election of Laura Fernández Delgado of the Sovereign People’s Party as president. This victory is significant as Fernández, a populist conservative, campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform in response to rising violence, particularly related to the cocaine trade. Her election reflects a broader trend of right-leaning leaders gaining power in Latin America. Costa Rica is also in the news due to its involvement in US immigration policies. The Trump administration attempted to deport migrants to third-party countries, including Costa Rica. A pencil manufacturer accused Costa Rica of misusing a donated factory as a detention center for asylum seekers deported from the US. This highlights the country's role in regional migration issues and its relationship with US foreign policy.