LatinNews Daily - 17 December 2025

*Costa Rica’s 57-member unicameral legislature has voted not to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his immunity from prosecution. The vote was in line with a request issued in October by the country’s electoral authority (TSE) for Chaves to be investigated for so-called ‘political belligerence’ or unwarranted interference ahead of the February 2026 general elections. Yesterday the legislature voted by 35 in favour, three short of the requisite two-thirds majority, with 21 against and one absence. This was the second request for Chaves to be stripped of his immunity following a supreme court request issued earlier this year in relation to a separate corruption case which was also rejected by the legislature. The vote comes ahead of February 2026 general elections in which the president is barred from running again. It represents a boost for continuity candidate Laura Fernández (Partido Pueblo Soberano), his former minister of the presidency (2024-2025) and planning (2022-2025) who remains the clear favourite, and who has previously indicated plans to offer Chaves the post of minister of the presidency if elected.

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