Laura Fernández

Laura Fernández, a right-wing populist from the Sovereign People's Party, has won the presidential election in Costa Rica. Her victory marks a shift to the right in Costa Rican politics and reflects growing concerns about rising violence linked to drug trafficking. Fernández campaigned on a tough-on-crime platform, promising to crack down on criminal groups and restore peace to the country, which has seen a surge in violence in recent years. Her win comes amid fears of an authoritarian turn in Costa Rica, with some seeing her as an extension of President Rodrigo Chaves' agenda, which has been criticized for weakening democratic institutions. Fernández's victory is significant as it continues a trend of right-leaning leaders gaining power in Latin America, driven by voter concerns about crime and security.