Weekly Report - 18 June 2026 (WR-26-24)

Less than two months into her mandate, Costa Rica’s conservative President Laura Fernández has unveiled a package of security-related legislation aimed at tackling insecurity. This remains a major public concern given near record homicides, long attributed to the presence of international narcotrafficking organisations in the country [WR-26-04]. In line with the hardline approach to crime that Fernández promised during her campaign, the proposals reflect continuity with her predecessor and mentor, Rodrigo Chaves (2022-2026), who now occupies the twin posts of finance minister and minister of the presidency. Unlike Chaves, however, Fernández benefits from a majority in the 57-member unicameral legislature, meaning her proposals stand a better chance of becoming law.