Effort to strip Costa Rica president Rodrigo Chaves of immunity falls short in congressional vote
The move to lift presidential immunity did not clear the required support in Costa Rica's Congress, leaving the matter unresolved for now.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — An effort to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of immunity from prosecution fell short in a vote in the Costa Rican Congress on Sept. 22, 2025, leaving the head of state’s immunity intact.
The measure would have removed immunity for possible criminal prosecutions and allowed prosecutors to pursue cases involving the president. It did not receive enough votes to advance, according to officials.
The outcome highlights divisions within Congress over how to balance executive accountability with the protections afforded by presidential immunity. Chaves, who has led the country since 2022, has faced ongoing scrutiny of governance and administrative practices during his term, though opponents contended that immunity should not shield the presidency from accountability.
Analysts noted that the vote reflects a complex political landscape in Costa Rica, where supporters of immunity reform argue for greater oversight and transparency, while opponents warn against enabling politically motivated prosecutions against the presidency. The result leaves unresolved questions about potential legal avenues that could be pursued without removing the president’s immunity.
With the immunity question unresolved, lawmakers may revisit the issue in the future or seek other measures to improve governance and anti-corruption efforts. Officials emphasized a continued focus on institutional reform and oversight, even as the debate over presidential immunity persists.