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Photo courtesy of the Costa Rica Congress (Asamblea Legislativa).



Costa Rica’s President Avoids Questions At Congressional Hearing




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Published on Friday, November 14, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles appeared before Congress in San José on Friday to defend himself in a case that could strip him of presidential immunity.


But after delivering a roughly 50-minute speech, Chaves exited the chamber without allowing lawmakers to question him, skipping the second portion of the hearing that had been set aside for their inquiries.


 The session is part of a congressional review of a request from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), which is seeking to lift Chaves’ immunity so it can move forward with charges of political belligerence.

Political belligerence, under Costa Rican law, refers to actions by public officials that are hostile, partisan, or otherwise violate legal restrictions on political activity.


The TSE says Chaves “illegitimately used” his office to “favor a political agenda” and has reviewed about 15 complaints accusing him of belligerence.


During his appearance, Chaves argued that the alleged offense does not legally exist. “The word ‘belligerence’ doesn’t exist in the Constitution, nor in the Penal Code. It doesn’t even exist in the Electoral Code, and here I am defending myself against a crime that doesn’t exist,” he said.






  


After leaving Congress, Chaves addressed hundreds of supporters outside, repeating his claim that the offense under investigation has no legal basis.


Costa Rica’s Constitution grants sitting presidents full criminal immunity for acts committed while in office. The TSE, however, has asked lawmakers to revoke that protection.


The congressional committee will now draft a report for the full assembly to vote on. At least 38 of the country’s 57 lawmakers must support lifting immunity for the case to advance.

This marks the second time Chaves has faced an immunity challenge in Congress.



In September, lawmakers rejected a measure that would have lifted his immunity in a corruption case involving allegations of concussion (a white-collar crime) in which a public official unlawfully demands or accepts money, services or valuables while performing official duties.



The Attorney General’s Office will continue investigating that case, but prosecutors cannot move forward with a formal indictment until Chaves’ term ends on May 8, 2026.



The TSE officially launched the 2026 presidential race in October. More than 3.7 million registered voters (including about 63,000 Costa Ricans living abroad) are expected to head to the polls on Feb. 1, 2026. Voters will elect a new president and all 57 members of the Legislative Assembly for the 2026–2030 term.



The TSE is an independent public institution that oversees all presidential elections and national referendums in Costa Rica.


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How does your country handle accusations involving sitting presidents or top officials? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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