Costa Rica's legislature twice failed to reach the 38 votes needed to lift President Chaves's immunity; he then became a cabinet minister under his successor
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On 22 September 2025 a majority of Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly voted to lift Rodrigo Chaves's immunity so he could face a prosecutor's extortion charge over a $32,000 payment tied to a BCIE-funded communications contract, but fell short of the 38 votes required. On 16-17 December 2025 a second request, from the electoral tribunal over alleged use of his office to campaign, got 35 votes in favour and 21 against, again short of the threshold. The criminal case remains suspended while he holds office, and after his term ended on 8 May 2026 he became Minister of the Presidency and Minister of Finance in the next government, keeping immunity. Chaves has denied wrongdoing.
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- France 24
Congress voted 35 to 21 in favour of removing his immunity, three votes short of the 38 needed
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