Q COSTARICA — On Thursday, April 30, legislator, leader of the Partido Neuva Republica and perennial presidential candidate, Fabricio Alvarado, fled Costa Rica.
His departure was confirmed by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) — Costa Rica’s Immigration service.
Videos and photos of the politician at Tocumen airport in Panama, apparently waiting for a flight to Argentina, have gone viral.
Alvarado, who has been at the center of controversy due to allegations of sexual harassment and assault by former legislator Marulin Azofeifa, lost his parliamentary immunity, a privilege enjoyed by members of the highest branches of government today, on May 1.
Immunity essentially protects the legislature, ministers, and the president of Costa Rica, among other officials, from any criminal charges while they are public officials.
This week, the Legislative Assembly concluded its 2022-2026 session, attempting to review the three reports from the investigative commission that analyzed Azofeifa’s allegations. However, the assembly failed twice in its attempts to censure Alvarado, as it did not obtain the 38 votes necessary to convene the session.
Legislators aligned with Rodrigo Chaves of the Partido Progreso Social, legislators from the Partido Nueva Republica, the Partido Unidad Social Cristiana, and some independents boycotted the sessions.
Alvarado also faces another criminal complaint for similar incidents, which is already under investigation by the Attorney General’s Office.
Is Rodrigo Chaves next?
President Rodrigo Chaves might be the next name on the list losing immunity, which happens on May 8.
Is he going to run out of Costa Rica? Probably not.
Chances are he’ll land a top spot in Laura Fernández’s incoming government.
Fernández, the president-elect, is expected to announce her ministerial picks just days before her inauguration next Friday — likely on May 5. That’s when we’ll find out if Chaves stays on in some role.
On Wednesday, Fernández hinted she’s almost done making her decisions, saying she’s 99% certain — but didn’t say which spot is still open or who might take it.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves is currently entangled in a complex web of legal troubles.
He has at least 50 criminal cases lined up with the Attorney General’s Office, with around 40 still active.
Here’s a breakdown of the most significant accusations and legal actions against him:
- Extortion stands out as a major charge, filed on April 7, 2025, by the Costa Rican Judiciary. This case also involves the Minister of Culture, Rodríguez Vives, and centers on alleged irregularities in a contract with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).
- In June 2025, Chaves and six close associates faced a second criminal indictment, this time over suspected illegal campaign financing linked to his election efforts.
- In December 2025, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) pushed the Legislative Assembly to strip the president of his immunity. This move follows accusations of political belligerence, based on 15 complaints out of 24 lodged by various political figures.
- The Judicial Branch Workers’ Union (Sitrajud) has also filed a complaint accusing Chaves of publicly inciting attacks against the judiciary, specifically targeting the Supreme Court President, Orlando Aguirre.
Other recent allegations include abuse of authority, breach of duty, and embezzlement—charges that add to the growing list against him.
Beyond these, investigations are also looking into alleged breach of duty, influence peddling, illegal appointments, and prevarication.
If Chaves is not offered or does not accept a role in the upcoming government, he could face these and additional criminal proceedings related to his time in office.
Stay tuned.