Laura Chinchilla President of the State of Costa Rica Date of Birth: 28.05.1958 Country: Costa Rica

1. Biography of Laura Chinchilla
2. Early Career
3. Ministerial Positions
4. Presidential Election and Presidency
5. Personal Life

Biography of Laura Chinchilla

Laura Chinchilla Miranda was born in 1958 in San Jose, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. She studied at the University of Costa Rica and later at Georgetown University, specializing in political science.

Early Career

Chinchilla began her political career in the early 90s, working as a consultant for various international legal organizations. Her areas of focus included judicial law and the reform of the state security sector. She also participated in various international programs, including those of the United Nations.

Ministerial Positions

From 1994 to 1996, Chinchilla served as the Deputy Minister of Public Security, and from 1996 to 1998, she became the Minister of Public Security. During this time, she gained public popularity and recognition as an unwavering opponent of drug trafficking.

Presidential Election and Presidency

In the 2010 presidential elections, Chinchilla ran as a candidate for the left-wing ruling National Liberation Party. She campaigned on promises to improve healthcare, education, and public security. Chinchilla received 47% of the votes, defeating her main opponent, Otto Solis, by a significant margin.

As Costa Rican law stipulates that a candidate needs to surpass 40% of the votes to win the presidency in the first round, Chinchilla became the first female president in the history of Costa Rica.

Chinchilla officially assumed office on May 8, 2010, and thousands of her supporters celebrated her victory in the streets of San Jose. During her presidency, she advocated for women's rights, proposing a three-day weekend for women and allowing women to work in law enforcement agencies.

Personal Life

Chinchilla married Jose Maria Rico Cueto in 2000, and they have a son together. This was her second marriage, having been previously married to Mario Alberto Madrigal Diaz from 1982 to 1985.

Laura Chinchilla is widely recognized as a beautiful woman and was hailed with pride by her fellow citizens. She became the fifth female president in Latin America and the first in the history of Costa Rica.