Costa Rica - July 2025

On 1 July, the Supreme Court of Justice asked the legislature to lift President Rodrigo Chaves’simmunity so he can face prosecution on corruption charges. Chaves is accused of involvement in a scheme where officials allegedly diverted funds from the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) as kickbacks to a member of his staff. This is the first time the Court has sought to remove a sitting president’s immunity, though it made a similar request regarding the culture minister. To proceed, the Assembly must approve the request by a two-thirds majority—a threshold the opposition has enough votes to meet. Chaves has denied the charges before a legislative committee, which must now report to the full Assembly. A vote is expected in early September. The executive also faces other probes, including alleged illicit campaign financing.

Sources: CNN, France 24, El Pais, International IDEA