Central America

Costa Rica congressional leader warns of authoritarian drift under president Chaves

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.

Central America

Nicaragua plummets to 172nd in RSF World Press Freedom Index

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.

Sports

Lautaro Martínez doubtful for UCL semifinal second leg after thigh injury

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.

Central America

Guatemala sees road blockades amid protests against lawmaker pay hikes

At least 16 points are blocked in Guatemala on Monday by the Committee for the Development of Rural Communities (Codeca), which is protesting the salary increase for members of Congress. The lawmakers are set to receive their third paycheck since the salary adjustment was approved in November 2024.

Although the Congressional Board of Directors announced the suspension of the salary increase at the end of March through an official document, it was later stated that the measure must be ratified by the full legislative body, requiring the approval of at least 81 of the 160 members. No reversal of this decision has been made so far. The salary of lawmakers has risen from GTQ 29,150 ($3,784) to GTQ 66,300 ($8,607). Their third elevated salary will be issued on Monday, according to local media.

The 23 deputies from the Semilla party, with which Bernardo Arévalo won the presidency, did not vote in favor of the proposal when it was presented. However, reports suggest that this may have been part of a negotiation with the opposition to approve a reform to the Law Against Organized Crime, aimed at ending legal persecution against them, as reported by the media outlet República. “The government must remember that the people defended it and it must serve the people,” stated Codeca’s official post on X (formerly Twitter).

Other grievances raised by the protesters include the rising cost of basic goods, demands to halt water privatization, an end to forced evictions, and the resignation of Attorney General Consuelo Porras.

The Constitutional Court (CC) granted a provisional injunction on Sunday, ordering the government to allow free movement. While the court permitted the protest to proceed, it stated that the rights of the general public to mobility and access to commercial transport services should not be interrupted.