Q COSTARICA — A “political lynching,” President Rodrigo Chaves this morning described the process of the legislative commission debating to his immunity for political belligerence.
“This is a blatant political lynching. It has just been demonstrated in the clearest and most transparent way the arbitrary actions, whims, and political interests that make the Legislative Assembly the worst-rated institution in this country (…),” the president stated before rising, wishing everyone a good day and that he would be leaving, to meet a small group of supporters who had been brought by bus to the outskirts of Legislative Assembly building.
The president’s annoyance stemmed from the fact that, during his appearance before the legislative commission, Alejandra Larios, a PLN deputy and chairperson of the investigating committee, limited the presentation of Chaves’ legal representative to only ten minutes.
Following Chaves’s decision, the commission’s chair, Alejandra Larios, stated that the president had been afforded his right to a defense and expressed regret over his decision to leave in this manner instead of remaining to answer questions from the legislators.
The commission’s cochair, Rocío Alfaro, a member of the Frente Amplio coalition, accused Chaves of “fleeing” and being “afraid,” and defended the procedure followed by the commission to analyze the Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s (TSE) request.
“It is regrettable to see how the Presidency of the Republic has reached this level of disrespect for institutions and to see how the cowardice that has characterized it has only deepened, leading to disrespect for this commission and the TSE,” Alfaro said.
“Chaves does not like to debate with women,” Alfaro said, referring to herself and commission co-chair Alejandra Larios. “It’s misogyny,” Alfaro added.
What’s next?
The president is the only person summoned to appear before this special commission. Following his hearing, the commission will have until November 30th to submit a report.
That report must be voted on and submitted to the full Legislative Assembly within 8 to 10 business days. That is, by mid-December.
The commission must then submit a report to the Legislative Assembly with a recommendation on whether or not to lift presidential immunity.
President Chaves’ presidency ends at high noon on May 8, 2026, when the newly elected president assumes office.