AGP Executive Report
Last update: 12 hours agoUN Leadership Watch: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan surged to the top in the UN Security Council’s first informal straw poll to replace António Guterres, winning 10 “encourage” votes; Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett took second with nine, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was third with seven, though veto-wielding permanent members’ preferences remain unknown. Economic Outlook: Costa Rica’s Central Bank cut its 2026 growth forecast to 3.4% (from 3.5%) citing weaker exports, slower household demand, and El Niño pressures, with 2027 growth pegged at 3.5%. Public Finance & Cost of Living: A proposed IVA hike on basic goods is drawing criticism for hitting poorer and middle-class families hardest, despite claims of targeted discounts. Security & Justice: The government moved to expand extradition grounds beyond drug trafficking and terrorism to include crimes like money laundering, human trafficking, contract killing, and cybercrime. Courts vs. Executive: Costa Rican judges extended substitute magistrates’ appointments until lawmakers name new ones, while a separate ruling restored limited daily sunlight and family contact for detainees held under strict isolation. Local Crime Probe: OIJ raids tied to organized crime in Heredia and elsewhere also triggered a wildlife investigation after an apparent jaguar pelt was found in a home.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.