Costa Rica’s Congressional President Rodrigo Arias issued a stark warning on Monday, claiming the country is “heading toward authoritarian populism—a path toward suffering” in response to President Rodrigo Chaves’ third annual address to the legislature.

Speaking during a session in the Legislative Assembly, Arias said the current administration has led to “a depressing state of politics” in Costa Rica, marked by “less security, less trust, more unresolved problems, and growing hopelessness.”

“This dangerous reality, coupled with an unchecked ambition for power—as we just heard—compels me to raise the alarm: we are moving toward authoritarian populism. That is, a path toward suffering,” said Arias, a lawmaker with the opposition National Liberation Party (PLN).

He accused the government of following a “familiar script,” one that begins with “systematic discrediting of democratic institutions, the press, and the intimidation of individuals and businesses,” dressed up with “grandiose promises of miraculous solutions.” Arias warned such tactics ultimately lead to the concentration of power, rising corruption, the persecution of dissenting voices, and the erosion of freedom.

He urged political parties to unite “above partisan divisions” to defend democracy:

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“This is not about abandoning our worldviews, but about understanding that without democracy, there is no viable project, no guaranteed rights, and no future to build.”

Earlier that day, during his address to Congress, President Rodrigo Chaves touted his administration’s economic achievements and criticized both the Judicial and Legislative branches, calling for sweeping institutional reform.

“The Costa Rican state, in all three branches, must undergo a profound transformation if we are to continue progressing toward collective well-being,” Chaves stated.

Nicaragua has been ranked 172nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and released on Friday. The country now finds itself at the bottom of the global ranking, positioned just above Russia, Belarus, Cuba, and Venezuela.

“At the bottom of the Index, Nicaragua (172) becomes the country with the worst score in Latin America, even behind Cuba (165),” RSF stated in its annual report.

RSF warned that the Sandinista regime led by Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo “has eradicated independent media, revoked the nationality of numerous journalists, and pushed hundreds into exile.”

Compared to 2024, Nicaragua dropped nine positions (from 163), among the 180 countries examined by the RSF ranking, which concluded that there is “no room for journalism” in the Central American nation.

nter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has suffered a muscle strain in his left thigh and will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis, the club announced Friday—just four days before the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.

The Argentine World Cup winner is now in serious doubt for the crucial match against the Catalan giants, after being substituted at halftime due to the issue during Wednesday’s 3-3 first-leg draw.

“Lautaro Martínez underwent a series of medical tests this morning (Friday),” read a statement from the Nerazzurri. “The Argentine forward has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain in his left thigh.”

“His condition will continue to be monitored daily,” the club added.