Laura Fernandez officially became the President of Costa Rica, taking the oath for a four-year term at the National Stadium in San Jose. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who conveyed India’s warm wishes to the newly elected President. Margherita, as part of a diplomatic tour in Central America and the Caribbean, marked this event as the initial step to enhance bilateral relations.
India and Costa Rica share friendly ties, with a focus on strengthening commercial interactions between the two nations. Fernandez, aged 39, received the presidential sash from former President Rodrigo Chaves in front of a large audience, including international dignitaries. Having won the presidential election on February 1 representing the Sovereign People’s Party, Fernandez outlined her administration’s commitment to fighting crime and preventing drug infiltration in government bodies.
In her inaugural address, President Fernandez emphasized her government’s dedication to combating organized crime and drug trafficking. She announced plans to establish a new “mega-prison” and set up an advanced police surveillance center. Fernandez’s approach includes a strong stance against criminal activities, proposing harsher penalties for crimes like contract killings and a focus on prison system reform. She also supports the use of emergency measures in high-violence areas.
