QCOSTARICA – In Alajuela Saturday morning, President Luis Guillermo Solis did not rule out replacing the Ministro de la Presidencia, Melvin Jimenez, after the latest scandal at Casa Presidencial, the alleged offering of an ambassadorship to former Deputy Minister of Telecommunications, Allan Ruiz.
Solís, leaving the Summit of Americas conference in Panama, made the remarks at the door of the Alajuela Municipal Theater prior to taking part in the activities to commemorate the heroic deeds of Juan Santamaria Day, a national holiday in Costa Rica.
The President was responding to questions by the press about the assertions made by Ruiz about being offered a post in a foreing embassy inreturn for his resignation, following the criticism over the draft gag law, which he gave the government the possibility to punish – including closure – radio and television stations for the broadcast of content that is deemed vulgar or immoral by the government.
Ruiz resigned on Saturday from his position as Deputy Minister of Telecommunications. So did Gisella Kopper, the minister of that portfolio.
According to Ruiz, it was Jimenez who asked for his resignation, and at the same time offering him the government post.
Jimenez did the same a few months back, in the Attorney General Ana Lorena Brenes case, former Deputy Minister of the Presidencia, Daniel Soley, was alleged to have been made a similar offer for his resigning.
At that time Jimenez came out of the scandal unscathed, and with strong support from the President.
But, this time he may not fare as well, as President Solis readies his first May 1 report to the Legislative Assembly.
Jimenez was not present at the April 11 activity.
