Political developments in Argentina and Costa Rica regarding social and economic laws

In Argentina, the government has stated it does not currently plan to introduce a bill to repeal the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (IVE) law, despite recent criticisms from President Javier Milei. While Milei has linked declining birth rates to the impact of legal abortion on the economy and pension systems, officials noted that there is no favorable parliamentary scenario to advance such an initiative at this time.

In Costa Rica, President Laura Fernández has presented a legislative package that includes a proposal to modify interest rate caps on credit operations. The bill aims to allow financial entities and businesses more flexibility in setting rates to prevent vulnerable populations from turning to informal ‘gota a gota’ lenders. However, economic experts warn this could increase costs for consumers.

Additionally, a new bill has been introduced in the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly to prohibit partisan political propaganda in both public and private educational institutions. Proposed by Deputy Nayuribe Guadamuz, the measure seeks to protect students from electoral influence while explicitly exempting student debates and activities that promote critical thinking.