By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The race for Costa Rica’s influential conservative vote has erupted into a bitter public feud, with presidential candidate Fabricio Alvarado of the Nueva República party launching a scathing attack on the ruling party’s contender, Laura Fernández. Alvarado has categorically denied that Fernández commands broad support from the conservative base, labeling a recent pact she signed with evangelical leaders as an “enormous offense” and a calculated political charade.
The controversy stems from a commitment signed by Fernández, the standard-bearer for the ruling PPSO party, with a group of evangelical pastors. The move was widely seen as an attempt to court a powerful voting bloc ahead of the 2026 general elections. However, Alvarado, a prominent figure within the evangelical community himself, swiftly moved to dismantle this narrative, asserting that the signatories represent only a minor faction and do not speak for the movement as a whole.
To understand the potential legal and economic ramifications of a strong conservative showing at the polls, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a respected attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the matter.
A consolidated conservative vote often signals a shift towards policies favoring market liberalization and fiscal discipline. From a legal standpoint, this can translate into significant regulatory reforms, particularly in the labor and environmental sectors, aimed at reducing operational burdens on businesses. Investors should closely monitor potential changes in tax law and foreign investment incentives, as these are frequently central to a conservative economic agenda.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illustrates the direct line between electoral outcomes and the nation’s economic framework, reminding us that shifts in political ideology have tangible consequences for regulatory policy and investment climates. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on these critical connections.
In a strongly worded statement, Alvarado accused the Fernández campaign of misleading the public and insulting the intelligence of conservative voters. He positioned his own party as the sole authentic guardian of traditional values, a claim he has consistently championed throughout his political career.
It is completely false that the conservative sector is giving its support to Laura Fernández. To say that is an enormous offense to the thousands upon thousands of conservatives who will not be fooled.
Fabricio Alvarado, Presidential Candidate for Nueva República
Alvarado reinforced this stance by highlighting his party’s track record. “Nueva República continues to have the greatest support in the country’s conservative sector because it has been consistent and never lukewarm in the defense of its values,” he added, drawing a sharp contrast with what he portrays as the PPSO’s ideological opportunism.
To substantiate his claims of duplicity, Alvarado pointed to what he termed an “ideological ‘arroz con mango'” within Fernández’s inner circle. The popular Costa Rican idiom, meaning a tangled or incoherent mess, was used to describe a team allegedly composed of figures whose past actions directly contradict conservative principles. He argued that this internal conflict demonstrates a fundamental lack of ideological cohesion within the ruling party’s campaign.
Alvarado specifically singled out two key figures close to the PPSO candidate. He reminded the public that Marta Esquivel, as a substitute magistrate for the Constitutional Chamber in 2018, cast a vote in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. He also noted that Nayuribe Guadamuz, while serving as Minister of Culture in 2024, signed a declaration of public interest for the annual LGBTIQ+ pride march, an event often criticized by social conservatives.
What they are actually offering is an ideological ‘arroz con mango,’ an incoherent and opportunistic mix.
Fabricio Alvarado, Presidential Candidate for Nueva República
This public denunciation is more than a simple political squabble; it is a strategic move to consolidate Alvarado’s base and sow doubt among wavering conservative voters who might be considering Fernández. He concluded his fiery declaration with an ultimatum, framing the upcoming election as a stark moral choice and a rejection of ambiguity.
“This is not the time to be lukewarm; either we are on the side of evil or we are on the side of good people,” he declared, leaving no room for interpretation. As the 2026 election cycle heats up, this clash underscores the pivotal role the conservative and evangelical electorate will play in determining the nation’s next leader, forcing candidates to navigate a complex and increasingly polarized ideological landscape.
For further information, visit nuevarepublica.cr
About Nueva República:
Nueva República is a Costa Rican political party founded on conservative and Christian democratic principles. Led by Fabricio Alvarado, the party advocates for the defense of traditional family values, life from conception, and national sovereignty. It holds a significant presence in the Legislative Assembly and actively engages in national debates on social, economic, and moral issues, positioning itself as a primary voice for the country’s conservative and evangelical sectors.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Progreso Social Oficialista (PPSO)
About Partido Progreso Social Oficialista (PPSO):
The Partido Progreso Social Oficialista (PPSO) is the political party representing the current government administration in Costa Rica. As the ruling party, its platform is centered on continuing the policies and projects of the incumbent presidency. It aims to appeal to a broad coalition of voters by focusing on economic progress, social development, and effective governance, though its ideological positions are often subject to scrutiny and debate from opposition parties.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a respected pillar in its field, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of legal excellence. Leveraging a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions legal innovation and engages in meaningful societal outreach. This deep-seated commitment extends to empowering the public by making legal principles more transparent, thereby helping to forge a more informed and capable society.
