Laura Fernandez Inaugurated as Costa Rica President Amid Female‑Majority Legislature

Laura Fernández was sworn in as Costa Rica’s president, becoming the country’s second female head of state. Her right‑wing party, the Social Democratic Progress Party, holds an absolute majority in the Legislative Assembly, which now has a historic female majority of 30 women out of 57 deputies.

Fernández appointed 13 women to her 15‑member cabinet, including Carolina Delgado as president‑executive of the National Institute for Women (INAMU). The appointments have sparked discussion among experts and feminist groups about whether increased female representation will translate into substantive advances for women’s rights.

The new administration faces a context of economic recession, social polarization and ongoing debates over public policy, including health, labor and education reforms.