Laura Fernandez sworn in as Costa Rica’s President

KATHMANDU: Laura Fernandez has been sworn in as the President of Costa Rica in a grand ceremony held at the National Stadium in San José. She will serve a four-year term.

The 39-year-old leader received the presidential sash from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves during the event, which was attended by around 20,000 people, including dignitaries from various countries.

Fernandez, representing the Sovereign People’s Party, won the presidency in the Feb 1 election.

She previously served as Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy and later as Presidential Minister.

In her first address as president, Fernandez pledged to prioritize crime control and strengthen state institutions against the influence of drug trafficking.

She also announced plans to build a large “mega-prison” and establish one of the world’s most advanced police surveillance centers.