For the first time in Costa Rica’s history, the Supreme Court has requested Congress to remove the presidential immunity of President Rodrigo Chaves to allow for prosecution on corruption charges.
Attorney General Carlo Diaz alleges that Chaves pressured a communications firm contracted by the presidency to funnel $32,000 to his friend and former image consultant, Federico Cruz.
The 64-year-old leader faces bribery accusations, a charge that could carry up to eight years imprisonment for public officials.
In addition to Chaves, the court has also called for the immunity of Culture Minister Jorge Rodriguez to be lifted over similar allegations.
The contract in question was awarded for the 2022-2026 presidential term using funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, reportedly through an irregular procedure.
President Chaves has yet to respond publicly, while Rodriguez maintains he has “a clear conscience and a clean record.”
Chaves, a former World Bank economist, won the presidency in 2022, defeating centrist Jose Maria Figueres, and has since focused on revitalising Costa Rica’s faltering economy.
Though barred from seeking consecutive re-election, allies have not dismissed the possibility of Chaves pursuing a congressional seat in 2026.
