Costa Rica’s Supreme Court has formally asked the legislature to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his immunity so he can face criminal charges over alleged misuse of international development funds.
At a Glance
- President Rodrigo Chaves faces criminal charges tied to a $32,000 contract.
- The Supreme Court voted 15-7 to request removal of presidential immunity.
- The legislative assembly must approve the request by a qualified majority.
- The corruption case centers on misused CABEI development funds.
- Chaves also faces separate illicit campaign financing accusations.
A Judicial Earthquake
In an extraordinary legal development, Costa Rica’s highest court voted 15–7 to petition the Legislative Assembly for the removal of President Rodrigo Chaves’ immunity. The court claims sufficient evidence ties Chaves to corruption involving a $32,000 consulting contract funded by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI). Prosecutors allege that funds earmarked for development were funneled instead into domestic political operations—including payouts to a high-ranking presidential aide.
The same request also targets Culture Minister Jorge Rodríguez, suggesting coordinated graft within the administration. If convicted, both men could face between 2 and 8 years in prison.
Watch a report: Costa Rica’s top court calls for trial of President Chaves
Political Shockwaves
The request now moves to Costa Rica’s opposition-controlled Legislative Assembly, which must approve it by a qualified majority—a feat never before attempted against a sitting president. Lawmakers are under pressure from both sides: Chaves retains approval from about 50% of voters, but opposition parties see an opportunity to assert checks on executive overreach.
Chaves, a former World Bank economist, previously survived sexual harassment allegations during his 2022 campaign. He now faces not only the current corruption probe, but also a parallel investigation into illicit campaign financing.
Public opinion is fracturing. Some view the case as a necessary test of Costa Rica’s democratic integrity. Others warn it could embolden partisan warfare in a country long seen as a regional model of political stability.
Historic Precedent
This is the first time in Costa Rica’s modern history that the Supreme Court has formally requested the removal of presidential immunity. The court’s action signals a rare willingness to challenge executive power directly, as judicial leaders seek to reaffirm institutional independence in the face of growing populist consolidation.
The international community is watching closely. With CABEI funds implicated, development lenders may reevaluate their protocols—and Costa Rica’s internal credibility may suffer long-term reputational damage. Civil society groups are mobilizing, calling for transparency as the legislative vote approaches in the coming weeks.
If immunity is lifted, the country’s highest office will face open trial. If denied, the case could escalate into constitutional crisis. Either way, the balance of power in Costa Rica is on a knife’s edge.
