Luis Guillermo Solís (born 25 April 1958) is a Costa Rican politician, academic and public intellectual who served as President of Costa Rica from 2014 to 2018. He came to national prominence as the candidate of the Citizen Action Party (Partido Acción Ciudadana, PAC), and his administration emphasized transparency, social inclusion and institutional reform.
Background and career before the presidency
Solís trained as a historian and worked for many years as a university teacher, analyst and columnist. Before joining PAC he had experience in public affairs and diplomatic postings, and he was known for critical commentary on governance and public policy. His trajectory combined academic work with periodic involvement in politics, positioning him as a non-traditional candidate at the time of his presidential campaign.
2014 campaign and election
Solís ran in the 2014 presidential election promising greater government transparency, anti-corruption measures and improvements in public services. His campaign attracted support from voters dissatisfied with the traditional parties. The election culminated in a second-round contest in which Solís prevailed, becoming the first president elected from PAC and marking a notable shift in Costa Rica’s recent party politics.
Presidency: priorities and actions
In office, Solís pursued policies focused on strengthening institutions and expanding social programs while addressing fiscal challenges. Key themes included anti-corruption initiatives, efforts to modernize public administration, investment in education and health, and attention to sustainable development. His government also engaged in diplomatic and trade relations consistent with Costa Rica’s longstanding environmental and democratic profile.
Challenges and controversies
Solís faced significant fiscal constraints during his term, leading to debates over public spending and tax reform. Proposals to close budget gaps met resistance from different sectors and generated intense political discussion. Like many leaders, he balanced popular social goals against the technical demands of economic management and coalition politics.
Legacy and later activity
After leaving office in 2018, Solís continued to be active as a public commentator and participant in civic discourse. His tenure is often remembered for advancing civic dialogue about transparency and for demonstrating electoral openness to alternatives beyond established parties. Observers note both accomplishments in governance reform and the enduring difficulty of resolving long-term fiscal imbalances in Costa Rica.