Laura Fernandez Sworn In as Costa Rica's New President, Vows War on Crime
Laura Fernandez was sworn in as Costa Rica's new president at a ceremony in San Jose, vowing a "war" on the country's record homicide rates. The new government also signalled a balanced foreign policy amid US-China tensions. Security and the cost of living top her in-tray.
Speaking at the National Stadium in San Jose, Fernandez told the nation that record homicide rates over the past two years threatened the country's development model. She is the 50th president of independent Costa Rica.
In her inaugural address, she pledged to tighten border security against drug cartels and pour new resources into the country's intelligence services. The new president also said her government would deepen an investment agreement with the United States while preserving existing economic ties with China.
Her economic agenda emphasises tourism, digital services exports and a "near-shoring" role in semiconductor supply chains. The Costa Rican colón has held steady against the dollar in recent months, but voters' biggest worry remains the cost of food and housing.
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