Costa Rica's 'Conservative Wave' Driven by Familiar External Currents
THE ACTORS: Laura Fernandez and the 'Conservative Wave' Laura Fernandez is presented as a right-wing populist, capitalizing on public fears over rising insecurity. Her platform promises a strong hand against drug-related crime. The previous administration, led by Carlos Alvarado Quesada, oversaw a period marked by significant economic challenges, including a budget deficit and external debt
pressures, which often create fertile ground for 'outsider' candidates promising radical change. THE FUNDING: Tracing the External Hand While direct funding for Fernandez's campaign isn't immediately public in the DW article, it's crucial to understand the broader financial landscape that often underpins 'conservative waves' in Latin America. US government agencies like USAID allocated $48.5
million to Costa Rica in 2023, often prioritizing programs that align with US strategic interests, including 'rule of law' and 'governance' initiatives. International financial institutions (IFIs) like the IMF and World Bank have historically conditioned loans on structural adjustment programs that favor privatization and deregulation – policies often championed by conservative governments. Costa
Rica secured a $1.778 billion Extended Fund Facility from the IMF in 2021, contingent on fiscal reforms. These reforms often necessitate a shift to more 'business-friendly' environments, which typically align with conservative economic agendas. THE INCENTIVES: What Do They Gain? For Fernandez's party: Political power and an opportunity to implement their ideologically driven agenda, often