Q COSTA RICA — Constitutional Court Justice Jorge Araya stated that Costa Rica has shifted from being a country viewed with admiration to one that the world now views with concern.
He made these remarks on Thursday, following his swearing-in by the Legislative Assembly for a new eight-year term.
Araya called for national reflection and questioned the country’s current direction, pointing to issues such as violence, aggressive rhetoric, roadblocks, and budget cuts affecting the most vulnerable sectors.
The justice defended investment in the Judiciary, warning that budget cuts would lead to delays in case resolutions and increase the judicial backlog.
Furthermore, he maintained that Costa Rica is facing its most severe economic, political, and social crisis since the 1948 civil war—the most serious such crisis since the establishment of the current Constitution.
Given this situation, he emphasized the need to build consensus and unite the Costa Rican family, rather than resorting to verbal violence and shouting. Justice Araya is referring directly to President Laura Fernández and her administration’s official rhetoric.
Araya also addressed the current inability of the Supreme Court of Justice to consider a request to lift the immunity of former President Rodrigo Chaves. He explained that the Constitutional Court, also known as the Sala IV, lacks substitute justices and needs to appoint a replacement for Justice Paul Rueda, who has recused himself from the matter.
Araya criticized the omissions that have prevented the selection of substitute justices, warning that until these appointments are made, the Legislative Assembly will not be able to process requests to lift the immunity of high-ranking state officials.
Araya’s reelection was finalized on Wednesday, after the ruling party, the Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) parliamentary faction, failed to secure the 38 votes necessary to block it. Araya received 24 votes in favor of his reelection, with the support of the legislator who make up the democratic bloc.
Araya was elected to the Constitutional Court in 2018, so this would be his first reelection for an eight-year term.