Laura Fernandez sworn in

Laura Fernandez has been inaugurated as the first female president of Costa Rica in a ceremony attended by regional leaders.

The right-wing leader promised to tackle organized crime and revitalize the nation's economy through deregulation.

Fernandez, who won a landslide victory in April, has pledged to strengthen security cooperation with the United States to combat drug trafficking.

Her inauguration marks a significant political shift for the Central American nation, which has traditionally been led by centrist parties.

Supporters gathered in the national stadium to celebrate the historic moment, while critics expressed concerns about her proposed social spending cuts.