Eight presidential candidates took part in a debate organized by Multimedios, the Colegio de Ciencias Económicas de Costa Rica, and the Universidad Hispanoamericana. The event, moderated by journalist Michael Soto and held at the Colegio de Ciencias Económicas in Montes de Oca, focused on issues such as security, economy, employment, education, and health.
Participants included Eliécer Feinzaig Mintz (Partido Liberal Progresista), Claudia Dobles Caamargo (Coalición Agenda Ciudadana), Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz (Partido Nueva República), Ana Virginia Calzada Miranda (Partido Centro Democrático Social), Natalia Díaz Quintana (Partido Unidos Podemos), Ariel Robles Barrantes (Partido Frente Amplio), Juan Carlos Hidalgo Bogantes (Partido Unidad Social Cristiana), and José Aguilar Berrocal (Partido Avanza Costa Rica).
The first segment addressed security. All candidates were asked to propose a measurable action to reduce homicides within 18 months. They agreed that fighting insecurity and drug trafficking should go beyond force alone. Suggestions included territorial control, strengthening criminal and financial intelligence, increasing police presence and deployment, inter-institutional coordination, tracking criminal finances, using technology and data analysis, reclaiming communities from criminal groups, reinforcing ports and borders, integrating different police forces, and targeted operations.
Tensions rose after Fabricio Alvarado accused supporters of the Coalición Alianza Ciudadana of assaulting one of his followers outside the venue. Claudia Dobles responded by asking for evidence if such incidents occurred and said any aggression would be unacceptable.
A statement from Alvarado’s party claimed this was not the first time a supporter of Dobles had confronted their candidate: “The first time happened during the TSE debate when a man insulted our candidate and his family,” it read.
Later in the debate, José Aguilar Berrocal addressed criticism over his use of armored vehicles for himself and his family. He stated that no one would “play games” with his family’s safety. Ariel Robles urged him to remain calm during this exchange. The issue was raised after Juan Carlos Hidalgo asked Eliécer Feinzaig about candidates who “experience insecurity from the comfort of armored cars and bodyguards while thousands of Costa Rican families live in fear.”
Aguilar later emphasized: “With my family you will not interfere (…) Whenever I have to defend a Costa Rican or my family, I will take all necessary measures,” he said.
This moment was referenced several times throughout the debate with comments like “I don’t get angry,” used ironically among participants.
Afterwards, La Nación interviewed Hidalgo about his remarks regarding armored vehicles. He clarified that they were not directed solely at Aguilar: “Also the officialist candidate travels in an armored car. I believe we must be at the same level as Costa Ricans who are suffering through our worst violence crisis ever. It is a human tragedy that many people cannot walk safely through their communities… The next president must identify with this tragedy experienced by Costa Ricans; that is why I asked my question,” he explained.
Aguilar commented on his reaction: “When they question decisions made to protect my family’s safety, I react strongly and set boundaries—I always will. Mothers choosing leaders want someone who will protect their children’s lives; husbands want leaders with courage to safeguard their families… Just as I reacted today when questioned about protecting my family’s life—so too will I fight for you all.”
The debate also covered economic issues such as deficit control and debt management. Candidates discussed simplifying taxes or restructuring debt versus improving tax collection or combating evasion; most rejected new taxes but stressed economic growth.
On employment and education topics, proposals included promoting inclusion for women, youth, rural areas; technical training; dual education programs; support for strategic sectors; long-term agreements in education; infrastructure improvement; teacher training; policies beyond government terms; focus on STEM fields; values-based curricula; reducing administrative burdens for teachers.
Health discussions centered on cutting waiting lists through extended hours at facilities, public-private partnerships, extra shifts for staffers using technology solutions—alongside strengthening primary care services and training more specialists. Regarding leadership roles at both the Ministry of Health and CCSS social security fund institutions—candidates called for technical expertise plus managerial experience—with some adding value-based or ideological criteria.
Fabricio Alvarado specified: “Without doubt [the leader] must have knowledge and experience specifically managing hospital systems… For Nueva República it is fundamental alongside these requirements that they be pro-life against abortion—and work accordingly both at Caja [CCSS] as well as Ministry of Health.”
Each candidate concluded with closing statements seeking votes from citizens ahead of elections.
Laura Fernández—the officialist candidate—and Álvaro Ramos from Liberación Nacional were also invited but did not attend due to scheduling conflicts according to organizers.
