COSTA RICA PRESIDENT RETAINS IMMUNITY- Despite Lawmakers attempt to strip his legal protections
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves will retain his immunity from prosecution after lawmakers failed to secure the votes needed to strip his legal protections, allowing him to remain in office despite corruption allegations.
The Legislative Assembly fell short of the 38 votes required to remove Chaves’ immunity, with 34 opposition lawmakers supporting the measure and 21 voting against it.
Chaves faces corruption charges including extortion related to his handling of funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). Prosecutors requested his impeachment in April, following the launch of the investigation.
The president has dismissed the allegations as a “set-up” and “judicial coup.”
In June, prosecutors filed additional charges against Chaves for alleged illegal financing of his 2022 election campaign.
Despite the legal challenges, Chaves maintains a 52% approval rating according to a September poll by the University of Costa Rica, conducted weeks before the political campaign begins for February 2026 presidential and legislative elections.
Chaves’ term expires in May 2026.
