SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — In an unprecedented political maneuver, Costa Rica’s departing President Rodrigo Chaves will maintain his legal protections by accepting dual ministerial positions in the incoming administration, President-elect Laura Fernández revealed Tuesday.
Fernández announced that Chaves will simultaneously serve as Minister of the Presidency and Finance Minister when she assumes office Friday. This arrangement ensures the outgoing leader continues enjoying immunity while facing serious corruption allegations.
The decision represents an extraordinary departure from Costa Rican political tradition and provides Chaves with substantial influence over the new government. His political movement has repeatedly challenged the Central American democracy’s established practices.
During her campaign for February’s elections, Fernández promoted herself as representing “continuity” with Chaves’ policies. Many current cabinet members and administration officials will either retain their positions or transition to different roles. Notably, Fernández previously served as Chaves’ Minister to the President, the same position her former boss will now occupy.
“Just as we have done since the first day of your administration, we will continue working very well as a team,” Fernández told Chaves during Tuesday’s public announcement in the capital city of San José.
Chaves, known for his populist rhetoric and alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump, frequently attacks media outlets and political opponents. He has modeled his approach after El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, implementing harsh measures to combat rising crime rates in the traditionally peaceful nation.
The outgoing president recently committed to accepting 25 deportees weekly from the United States. His administration allegedly pressured the Trump government to revoke visas for board members of an influential newspaper.
Fernández’s appointment strategy not only extends Chaves’ political control but also shields him from escalating legal troubles by preserving his governmental immunity.
Costa Rican prosecutors rocked Chaves’ presidency last year with accusations of improper campaign financing and corruption, which he has consistently rejected.
According to prosecutors, Chaves allegedly coerced a close ally and government contractor into redirecting contract funds to a former campaign advisor.
The national legislature has attempted twice to remove Chaves’ immunity protections without success. His new ministerial appointment makes future efforts unlikely, particularly since the ruling party now controls a legislative majority.
Chaves maintains that the charges represent political retaliation orchestrated by the attorney general and Supreme Court justices.
Opposition lawmakers condemned Chaves’ ministerial appointment. Legislator José María Villalta stated Tuesday that the decision represents a transparent effort to “grant or preserve immunity for controversial politicians from the outgoing government rather than to improve the functioning of institutions.”
