National Restoration Party

The Costa Rican National Restoration Party, known in Spanish as Partido Restauración Nacional (PRN), is a political party in Costa Rica that was founded in 2005. It emerged primarily as a Christian conservative party, with its roots deeply embedded in evangelical Christian values and beliefs. The party advocates for a political agenda that is heavily influenced by its religious convictions, emphasizing traditional family values, opposition to same-sex marriage, and a pro-life stance on abortion.

The PRN values the importance of religion in public life and often argues for polic…  ies that reflect Christian teachings and morals. Education, for instance, is seen as an area where Christian values should be integrated, advocating for a curriculum that aligns with their religious beliefs. The party also focuses on social issues, emphasizing the need to address poverty, inequality, and social justice, but through a lens that incorporates their religious values.

Economically, while the party's policies may not be as clearly defined as its social agenda, it tends to support free-market principles, albeit with a consideration for social welfare and the protection of Costa Rican families. The party also places a strong emphasis on national sovereignty and has expressed skepticism towards international agreements and organizations that, in their view, could undermine Costa Rican values and laws, especially those concerning family and life.

The National Restoration Party gained significant attention and support during the 2018 presidential election, when its candidate, Fabricio Alvarado, a former journalist and evangelical singer, surged in popularity following the Inter-American Court of Human Rights' ruling that Costa Rica should legalize same-sex marriage. Alvarado's campaign, which strongly opposed the ruling, propelled the party into the national spotlight, showcasing the significant influence of evangelical Christianity in Costa Rican politics.

In summary, the Costa Rican National Restoration Party is a political entity that seeks to infuse politics with evangelical Christian principles, advocating for policies that uphold traditional family values, oppose abortion and same-sex marriage, and promote a Christian-influenced social and economic agenda. Its rise reflects a broader trend in Latin America where evangelical political movements are gaining traction, challenging traditional political and social landscapes.