President Rodrigo Chaves’ immunity is alive!
San José, Sep 23 (EFE).-
Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly voted Monday against lifting Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves’ immunity in a corruption case involving alleged misuse of funds, marking the first time the country’s Congress has ruled on a presidential immunity request.
Lawmakers fell short of the 38 votes required, 34 votes in favor and 21 against, allowing Chaves to remain shielded while in office.
Attorney General Carlo Díaz said Tuesday he respected the legislative decision but stressed that the investigation into Chaves will resume once his mandate ends.
“This does not mean the investigation concludes or that criminal action is extinguished,” Díaz said in a statement. “The case will remain pending until the President no longer enjoys immunity.”
President declares “battle won, not the war”
Chaves celebrated the outcome as a victory but warned that continued political attacks were likely.
“Yesterday we won an important battle, but the war is not over; they will keep attacking me,” he said during the inauguration of a health post.
The president insisted that “democracy and the people” prevailed against what he described as “coup-mongering biases that have tarnished Costa Rica’s name before the international community.”
He thanked 21 lawmakers who opposed lifting his immunity, calling them “patriots,” while accusing the attorney general, Supreme Court magistrates, and Legislative Assembly president Rodrigo Arias of persecuting him.
Chaves characterized the accusation as “a political persecution disguised in the crudest form of legality and judicial action” in retaliation for his denunciations of corruption within the judiciary and other state institutions.
Allegation of misused funds
The Attorney General’s Office has accused Chaves of involvement in the crime of conclusión, punishable by two to eight years in prison, for allegedly steering a 405,000-dollarcontract to the communications firm RMC La Productora S.A.
The funds originated from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and were used for services to the presidency.
According to prosecutors, Cristian Bulgarelli, the firm’s owner, drafted the contract requirements after meetings at the presidential office and later funneled part of the money to presidential adviser Federico Cruz.
Bulgarelli reached a plea deal with prosecutors, agreeing to cooperate in exchange for suspended charges, and has also filed a complaint accusing Chaves of threats.
Chaves dismissed Bulgarelli as a “liar,” “coward,” and “scum,” while the communications executive remains the key witness in the case.
Historic vote and next steps
The failed motion was historic, marking the first time Costa Rican lawmakers decided on lifting presidential immunity.
Although the case is now suspended, Attorney General Díaz emphasized that criminal proceedings remain active and will continue once Chaves leaves office.
“The Attorney General’s Office respects the decision adopted by the Legislative Assembly… but this does not extinguish the criminal action,” Díaz reiterated. EFE
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