Laura Fernández Delgado facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Laura Fernández Delgado
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Fernández in 2026
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| 50th President of Costa Rica | |
| Assumed office 8 May 2026 |
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| Preceded by | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
| Minister of the Presidency | |
| In office 4 February 2026 – 8 May 2026 |
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| President | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
| Preceded by | Herself |
| Succeeded by | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
| In office 22 June 2024 – 31 January 2025 |
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| President | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
| Preceded by | Natalia Díaz Quintana |
| Succeeded by | Herself |
| Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy | |
| In office 8 May 2022 – 8 January 2025 |
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| President | Rodrigo Chaves Robles |
| Preceded by | Pilar Garrido Gonzalo |
| Succeeded by | Marta Esquivel Rodríguez |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Laura Virginia Fernández Delgado
4 July 1986 Puntarenas, Costa Rica |
| Political party | PPSO (since 2025) |
| Spouse | Jeffrey Umaña Avendaño ( m. 2020) |
| Children | 1 |
| Alma mater | University of Costa Rica |
| Occupation |
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Laura Virginia Fernández Delgado, born on July 4, 1986, is a leader from Costa Rica. She is a political scientist, meaning she studies how governments work. She has been the President of Costa Rica since May 8, 2026. Before becoming president, she was a minister in charge of national planning and economic policy from 2022 to 2025. She also served as the minister of the presidency from 2024 to 2025. As the candidate for the Sovereign People's Party, she won the presidential election in 2026.
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Who is Laura Fernández?
Laura Virginia Fernández Delgado was born in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, on July 4, 1986. She went to the University of Costa Rica. There, she studied politics and how governments work in a fair way. This helped her prepare for a career in public service.
Starting Her Career in Government
Laura Fernández began her career helping the government in 2008. She worked as an advisor for the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy. This ministry helps plan for the country's future. She was part of a program supported by a German agency.
In 2010, she became a full-time government employee. She advised on ways to make government services better. She continued in this role until 2014. From 2014 to 2018, she advised the Legislative Assembly. This is where laws are made. She helped with topics like government spending and finances.
In 2018, she was a candidate for Vice President. She ran alongside Mario Redondo Poveda. Later that year, she returned to the Ministry of National Planning. She researched how the government could work more efficiently. She also looked into public employment.
From 2020 to 2021, she worked for the city of Cartago. She was the director of strategic planning there. After this, she went back to her research role at the ministry.
Becoming a Minister
On May 8, 2022, President Rodrigo Chaves Robles chose Laura Fernández for an important job. She became the Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy. This meant she helped guide Costa Rica's plans for its economy.
Later, on June 21, 2024, President Chaves gave her another big role. She became the Minister of the Presidency. In this position, she helped manage the President's office. On July 11, 2024, she signed a special order. This order made July 30 a day to remember women's suffrage in Costa Rica. This celebrates when women gained the right to vote in Costa Rica.
On January 31, 2025, Laura Fernández left her minister jobs. She did this so she could run for president. This is a common step for people who want to become president.
Becoming President of Costa Rica
Laura Fernández decided to run for the highest office in Costa Rica. On July 29, 2025, she officially announced her candidacy. She ran as a member of the Sovereign People's Party.
The 2026 Presidential Election
Laura Fernández presented herself as someone who would continue the work of the previous president. She was one of twenty people running for president. Five of these candidates were women. She won the election with 48.3% of the votes.
Many leaders from other countries congratulated her on her victory. These included leaders from Latin America, the Prime Minister of Spain, and the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the transition period, she briefly served again as Minister of the Presidency. This was from February 4, 2026, until she officially became president.
Her Goals as President
Laura Fernández was sworn in as President on May 8, 2026. She is the second woman to hold this important position in Costa Rica. Her goals include making the government better and fighting against corruption. She also wants to help businesses grow and increase trade with other countries. She aims to strengthen the relationship between Costa Rica and Israel.
Her political ideas focus on giving more power to the people. She believes in making big changes to improve the country. On May 5, 2026, she announced the people who would work in her cabinet. This group includes former President Rodrigo Chaves. He is now the Minister of the Presidency and Finance.
The Inauguration Ceremony
President Fernández Delgado's inauguration happened on May 8, 2026. It was a special event held at the National Stadium of Costa Rica. Many important people from other countries attended. These guests included Felipe VI of Spain, José Raúl Mulino, Luis Abinader, Nasry Asfura, José Antonio Kast, and Isaac Herzog.
In Spanish: Laura Fernández Delgado para niños
- List of female presidents in Latin America
