Political leadership and institutional challenges in Argentina and Costa Rica

In Argentina, a growing gap exists between political leadership and the population. The current political landscape is characterized by a lack of qualified state managers and the influence of business interests on governance. This situation is linked to neoliberal models established in the 1990s, which contributed to economic marginalization and social adjustment. While certain social sectors previously regained rights through housing and pension programs, global shifts—including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical competition between China and the United States—have influenced the rise of far-right movements and reorganized economic concentrations.

In Costa Rica, there is a noted decline in the adherence to the rule of law and a perceived crisis of values. The current political environment is marked by a lack of organized political parties and exemplary leaders, leading citizens to use social media as an alternative for participation. Concerns have been raised regarding the selection process for legislators, which often occurs within small party circles before public voting. There are calls for the Supreme Electoral Tribunal to implement stricter requirements for political parties to ensure better candidate selection for presidency and legislative roles.