Q COSTA RICA — Waving Costa Rican flags and carrying signs and messages in defense of the institutions, thousands participated in the major national protest known as a “Plantón por la Democracia” that took place across Costa Rica on Thursday, August 6, 2026, starting at 4:00 p.m.
The major grouping was at the Plaza de la Democracia in San José, where protesters expressed their support for the Judiciary and rejected what they consider a growing confrontation between President Laura Fernández, Presidency Minister Rodrigo Chaves, and the justice system.
The gathering brought together citizens, including former presidents, legislators, and representatives of social organizations, academics, former public officials, and people without political affiliation, who agreed on the need to preserve the separation of powers.
The organizers of the event stated that the objective was not to support specific individuals or respond to partisan interests, but rather to call for the protection of democratic institutions and to ensure that conflicts between branches of government are resolved within the constitutional framework and through dialogue.
The demonstration was peaceful and without incident, while participants reiterated that Costa Rica’s democratic strength depends on mutual respect among the branches of government, the independence of the judiciary, and the full implementation of the rule of law.
Attorney General Carlo Díaz stated that he wants to live in a democracy. Former President Miguel Ángel Rodríguez (1998-2002) stated: “I am not against (Rodrigo) Chaves, I give him my support (to the demonstration) with all my heart”.
Spotted in the crowd was former president Luis Guillermo Solís. Opposition legislator and former first lady, Claudia Dobles, was greeted by the crowd as if she were the president of the country.
Using terms like “güichos”, “masoquistas” o “ingenuos” (fools, masochists, and naive), Chaves tried to undermine the event organized by various groups following days of intense attacks by the Executive Branch against the Judiciary, including budget cuts and accusations that went so far as to use the phrase “coup d’état” over a constitutional ruling to appoint substitute magistrates.
For her part, President Laura Fernández was unusually quiet on Thursday. Nor did the President comment on the news earlier in the day when Attorney General Diaz announced the opening of a case against Fernández and Chaves for illegal appointment of Katherine Tenori as director of the Fiscal Control Police (PCF) without having a police rank, as required.
The demonstration photos were gathered from social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram, as well as websites including Crhoy.com and Diario Extra, and others.
