Costa Rica’s Congress on Monday voted down a measure that would have lifted President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles’ immunity from prosecution in a corruption case, allowing him to retain protection from criminal charges while in office.

The vote was 34 in favor and 21 against removing the president’s immunity. Under Costa Rican law, at least 38 of the 57 lawmakers must vote in favor for such a measure to pass.

Lawmakers supporting Chaves included eight from his ruling Social Democratic Progressive Party, six from the New Republic Party, five from the Social Christian Unity Party, one from the National Liberation Party, and independent legislator Gilbert Jiménez.

Chaves faces allegations of concussion, a white-collar offense in Costa Rica that occurs when a public official unlawfully demands or accepts money, services, or valuables while performing official duties. The charge carries a penalty of two to eight years in prison.

Costa Rica’s Constitution grants sitting presidents full immunity from prosecution for acts committed while in office. The Attorney General’s Office will continue investigating the case, but prosecutors cannot move forward with a formal indictment until Chaves’ term ends on May 8, 2026.

The case has marked a historic moment in Costa Rican politics. In August, Chaves became the first sitting president to appear before Congress to defend himself in a potential criminal case. During a tense 90-minute hearing, he denied wrongdoing, rejected witness testimony, and dismissed the accusations as “a political show, lies, and a malicious setup.”

Attorney General Carlo Díaz-Sánchez formally charged Chaves and Culture Minister Jorge Rodríguez-Vives in April with concussion. Prosecutors allege that the two pressured businessman Bulgarelli-Rojas (whose company held government contracts) into paying $32,000 to a woman identified as Fernández-Vílchez. That payment was allegedly connected to a lease-and-purchase deal for a residence tied to a Chaves adviser, Cruz-Saravanja.

The Attorney General’s Office says the money was paid in February 2023, shortly after Bulgarelli’s company received roughly $300,000 in government compensation.

The scandal has deepened political divisions. In March, Chaves led a government-backed protest outside the Supreme Court in San José against Attorney General Díaz-Sánchez, drawing hundreds of supporters, including public employees, ministry officials, and members of his political base.

President Chaves is expected to address Congress’ decision in his favor within the next few hours.