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San Jose, Costa Rica — <\/span>SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) – Laura Fernandez<\/a> took oath on Friday as president of costa rica<\/a> With his predecessor, outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves, an ally US President Donald Trump<\/a> who will play double role like him Presidential Minister and Finance Minister.<\/a><\/p>\n Fernandez, a political scientist who is the second woman to lead the Central American country, promises to seamlessly continue the political movement founded by Chavez. His appointments in the new administration give him an additional four years of legal immunity, shielding him from multiple investigations into alleged corruption led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.<\/p>\n One of the primary responsibilities of the Minister of the Presidency of Costa Rica is to mediate between the executive branch and the Legislative Assembly.<\/p>\n The move to keep Chavez in the administration is unprecedented in Costa Rican politics and would give the outgoing leader incredible influence over the next government. It marks another bold step by Chaves’ political movement, which has tested the Central American nation’s democratic norms.<\/p>\n During his presidency, Ch\u00e1vez faced two unsuccessful legislative attempts to strip him of his immunity. The first incident occurred in September 2025, in which he was accused of pressuring officials to favor a former advisor. The second case came in December, when the Supreme Electoral Tribunal sought an investigation into his alleged “political belligerence” during the election campaign.<\/p>\n In an equally unusual move, Fernandez has appointed his second vice president, Douglas Soto, as ambassador to Washington. This strategic placement is intended to strengthen the administration’s ties with the Trump presidency by using direct and influential diplomatic links.<\/p>\n Kristi Noem<\/a>The US special envoy to the coalition of countries announced by Trump to combat regional crime was in San Jose on Friday to represent the Trump administration at the inauguration ceremony. <\/p>\n She met Chavez earlier in March finalize a deal<\/a> In which 25 American deportees come to Costa Rica every week.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n