The presidential debate organized by Grupo Extra and the Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos (CFIA) brought together five leading candidates based on last month’s CIEP poll, with Laura Fernández of Partido Pueblo Soberano declining her invitation after initially confirming attendance. The event began an hour late due to technical issues with the simultaneous transcription system for candidate Álvaro Ramos.
Key topics discussed included security, cost of living, poverty, infrastructure and transportation, education, housing, and water access. Candidates present were Claudia Dobles (Coalición Agenda Ciudadana), Ariel Robles (Frente Amplio), Juan Carlos Hidalgo (Unidad Social Cristiana), Álvaro Ramos (Liberación Nacional), and Natalia Díaz (Unidos Podemos).
On security, Ariel Robles criticized the current administration’s proposal for a “megaprison,” stating it is not a new solution nor effective. He said he would focus government investment on education rather than prisons and combine police presence in high-violence areas with educational, housing, and health programs.
Claudia Dobles outlined her plan to target emerging capital flows and lift banking secrecy as strategies against organized crime financing. She stated: “Se han impulsado reformas que pretenden hacer eso y no han avanzado, estamos comprometidos con revisar aquello que ha generado dudas de esos proyectos, para ver cómo los podemos mejorar, para quitar al crimen su financiamiento, pero garantizar al sector productivo que no habrá abuso en una ley como esta.” Dobles also emphasized that such laws should not become tools to coerce companies or individuals.
Natalia Díaz addressed criticism of her migration policy for alleged xenophobia. She rejected this characterization and said authorities should intervene in neighborhoods known as “crime hideouts” to check residents’ criminal records: “El que viene a trabajar a Costa Rica siempre será defendido, pero el que viene a delinquir no debe ingresar a este país.” She added that undocumented migrants could access health services but must pay for them.
On poverty reduction proposals, Álvaro Ramos advocated universal approaches such as a basic pension and expanding childcare networks to enable more women to join the workforce.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo reiterated his plan to reduce social charges as an incentive for formal employment: “Planeamos recortar los impuestos a la planilla que no van a financiar la Caja (Costarricense de Seguro Social) ni las pensiones y trasladarlos para que se financien con impuestos ordinarios, para que el costo de contratar personas caiga y exista un incentivo para contratar personas que no están recibiendo los ingresos que podrían recibir si tuvieran un salario formal.” To finance these measures he proposed taxing technology platforms and imposing differentiated rates on property buyers in coastal areas.
Education policy was another focal point. Both Hidalgo and Robles called for strengthening the Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) to train workers in technological skills needed by businesses. Dobles stressed universal internet access in schools and updating curricula with emphasis on data analytics at technical colleges nationwide.
Álvaro Ramos discussed artificial intelligence regulation in education and health sectors. He noted experts recommend developing governance frameworks rather than legal regulations.
Natalia Díaz addressed cybersecurity risks following attacks on public institutions earlier in the administration. She highlighted ongoing risks facing children online that require digital literacy training in schools to recognize cyber threats such as harassment or misinformation.
Infrastructure discussions centered around telework policies and electric train projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. Ariel Robles questioned Claudia Dobles about contracts awarded during her tenure involving companies linked to corruption; Dobles responded that accusations should not be made without evidence.
Dobles listed three major road projects she would prioritize if elected—upgrades along routes 1 (Interamericana Norte), 27 (Caldera), and 32 (to Limón)—criticizing current government execution as poor.
Díaz confirmed support for continuing the electric train project but emphasized improving existing rail services meanwhile; Robles agreed with this approach. Hidalgo suggested increasing traffic officers and exploring rapid bus lanes alongside train options.
All candidates expressed support for telework where feasible within public service roles. In final segments addressing ports and airports, Díaz argued that existing international airports need review before considering new projects like Orotina airport; Hidalgo suggested regulatory reviews of port concessions plus developing two bulk ports on the Pacific coast to ease congestion at Caldera port.
The debate ended at 9:30 p.m., omitting its final question block due to initial delays caused by technical difficulties.
