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First modification: 06/05/2026 - 22:43
In the midst of the rise of regional cooperation against organized crime, Costa Rica insists that security does not involve militarizing its territory. During the OECD ministerial meeting in Paris, Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar categorically ruled out any presence of US troops in the country, despite Costa Rican participation in regional security initiatives. Tovar also defended one of the most unique features of Costa Rica in Latin America: its status as a country without an army since 1948. How does the country face security challenges in a region marked by organized crime and drug trafficking? We talked about it with the Costa Rican Foreign Minister in this interview for France 24 and RFI.
Chancellor Tovar explains that any foreign official or military member who enters the country must do so unarmed and with authorization from the Legislative Assembly. His statements come within the framework of Costa Rica's accession to cooperation mechanisms such as the “Shield of the Americas”, promoted by the United States to combat transnational threats.
Also read"Shield of the Americas”: a tough anti-drug hand from Trump without counting on Mexico or Colombia?
During the interview, the chancellor highlights the country's economic prospects, which according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development -OECD- will grow by 3.5% this year despite global uncertainty. He attributes these results to policies of trade openness, attraction of investments and strengthening of human capital.
In terms of security, he defends the government's strategy against drug trafficking and the construction of a new high-containment prison for dangerous criminals, which he defined as "a Costa Rican model." In addition, it refers to the trade conflict with Panama, which has caused “million-dollar losses” for Costa Rican agricultural producers, and to the situation of Nicaraguan exiles seeking refuge in the country.
Regarding the alleged plan to attack President Laura Fernández, Tovar points out that the available information points to people linked to organized crime dissatisfied with the security measures adopted by the government and expressed confidence that it is an isolated case.
Finally, regarding the reelection of former President Rodrigo Chaves, remember that a constitutional reform is “a possibility that the Constitution itself provides for,” but that today there is not a sufficient majority.
“The issue of reelection (…) is not a priority” and that the government is focused on “making the best possible government” under President Laura Fernández: “The future will be determined by the future itself,” he concludes.
Program coordinated by Florencia Valdés, carried out by Robin Cussenod and Hadrien Touraud.
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