The formal session, held at the Legislative Assembly in downtown San José, was attended by government members, diplomats, and key political leaders.

Chaves opened his speech by expressing his hope that, by the time of his next address in May 2026, the Assembly will include a majority of lawmakers from his political party. He suggested that voters support his party’s candidates in the upcoming presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for February 2026.

“I hope to return on May 2 of next year to present my report before a new group of lawmakers, chosen by a people who are awake, alert, and eager to drive the changes that can transform the nation’s future,” Chaves said.

A major portion of Chaves’ more-than-hour-long speech focused on the judiciary. He delivered sharp criticism of the Attorney General’s Office and the broader Judicial Branch, questioning both their legitimacy and effectiveness, and calling for deep reforms.

The president expressed frustration with the lack of progress in political corruption investigations, alleging the existence of a “network that works as precisely as a luxury Swiss watch” to shield certain groups from accountability.

Chaves’ remarks come just weeks after the Attorney General’s Office filed formal charges against him for concussion, a white-collar crime under Costa Rican law.

In March, he led a government-organized protest march targeting Attorney General Carlo Díaz-Sánchez and Congress President Rodrigo Arias-Sánchez.

Despite a pointed tone on judicial matters, President Chaves outlined achievements across several key national areas, including security, the economy, education, healthcare, and road infrastructure.

On security, Chaves cited efforts to expand the police force and reduce crime. He reported the hiring of over 1,200 new police officers, the inauguration of five new police stations, and the jailing of more than 208,000 individuals. He also pushed for tougher legislation, including longer pre-trial detention periods, penalties for recruiting minors into organized crime, and legal reforms permitting the extradition of Costa Rican nationals facing charges abroad.

The President also recently announced the construction of a new $35 million correctional facility to address overcrowding in the prison system.

On the economy, the president claimed that Costa Rica’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.3%, poverty dropped to 18%, and the unemployment rate fell to 6.9%. Inflation decreased to 0.84%, the currency remained stable at around ¢500 colones per U.S. dollar, exports rose by 9%, and foreign investment increased by 20%.

In education, Chaves said his administration prioritized upgrading school infrastructure, including the construction of seven new schools. He reported expanded access to technology in 96% of public schools, the hiring of over 11,000 teachers, and enhancements to student support programs.

Regarding healthcare, Chaves noted increased funding for clinics and hospitals, including the inauguration of a new public hospital in Puntarenas Province. He also cited the implementation of new policies to reduce wait times for specialized medical care.