Laura Fernandez sworn in as Costa Rica’s new president

Laura Fernandez has been sworn in as Costa Rica’s new president and has vowed to combat rising crime in the country. She won the February 1 elections, succeeding Rodrigo Chaves, who will remain influential in the government as minister of the presidency and finance. Fernandez also appointed her second vice president, Douglas Soto, as ambassador to Washington, emphasizing the importance of ties with the United States.