By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a stark display of political paradox, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves is riding a wave of immense public support just days before the Legislative Assembly is set to vote on stripping him of his presidential immunity. A new poll released Wednesday by Opol Consultores reveals that a commanding 68.8% of Costa Ricans approve of the president’s job performance, showcasing a deep well of popular backing at a moment of acute political peril for his administration.
The survey, which paints a clear picture of the public mood, was conducted between December 5 and 8, polling 2,965 individuals across the country. The results, which carry a margin of error of 2.24 percentage points, indicate that only 30.35% of the population disapproves of the president’s management. This robust approval rating provides a powerful political shield for Chaves as he faces a legal challenge that could define the remainder of his term.
To better understand the legal ramifications surrounding the administration’s recent policy proposals, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The administration’s governance style consistently tests the boundaries of institutional checks and balances. Legally, the recurring friction with bodies like the Comptroller’s Office and the Legislative Assembly highlights a fundamental tension. While executive assertiveness can drive policy, it must operate within the rigid constitutional framework designed to prevent the over-concentration of power, a principle that is now at the center of national debate.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this tension between executive drive and institutional oversight has become the defining characteristic of the current political landscape, forcing a national reevaluation of our democratic checks and balances. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert legal perspective on this critical matter.
The timing of this data is critical. On Tuesday, December 16, lawmakers will convene for a historic session to debate and vote on a request from the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE). The TSE is seeking the removal of Chaves’s immunity to formally investigate him for 15 alleged offenses of political belligerence. This legal concept prohibits sitting officials from using public resources or their official capacity to influence electoral outcomes or promote specific candidacies.
The investigation stems from allegations that the president and his administration made official statements and utilized state resources to improperly favor a presidential candidate. The inquiry, initiated by the country’s highest electoral authority, represents an unprecedented challenge to a sitting president, testing the boundaries of executive power and the strength of Costa Rica’s democratic institutions.
The path to this critical legislative vote was paved a few weeks ago when a special congressional commission submitted a majority report recommending that Chaves’s immunity be lifted. This preliminary decision set the stage for next week’s plenary session, where the political calculus will be on full display. To pass, the measure requires a qualified majority of 38 votes in the 57-seat assembly.
All eyes are now on the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) and the New Republic Party. The final outcome will likely hinge on the positions taken by these two legislative blocs, which have historically acted as kingmakers and have, on previous occasions, halted similar proceedings against other officials. Their votes will determine whether President Chaves must face a formal judicial process while still in office.
The stakes for the president could not be higher. Should his immunity be revoked and the subsequent investigation by the TSE find him culpable, the potential penalties are severe. The sanctions range from being barred from holding public office for up to four years after his term concludes, to the most extreme, and less likely, scenario of being removed from the presidency itself. The vote represents a crucial crossroads for the Chaves administration.
As the nation awaits the December 16th vote, the contrast between Chaves’s strong public mandate and his institutional vulnerability creates a tense political climate. The Opol Consultores poll demonstrates that he commands significant loyalty among the electorate, yet he faces a formidable institutional challenge that threatens to derail his presidency. The upcoming legislative session will be a defining moment, not only for Rodrigo Chaves but for the balance of power in Costa Rican politics.
For further information, visit opolconsultores.com
About Opol Consultores:
Opol Consultores is a Costa Rican firm specializing in public opinion polling, market research, and political analysis. The company is known for conducting regular national surveys that gauge public sentiment on political figures, government performance, and key social issues, providing valuable data for media, political parties, and the private sector.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for organizing, directing, and overseeing all electoral processes in Costa Rica. It holds the rank of a fourth branch of government and is tasked with guaranteeing the political rights of citizens, the transparency of elections, and the proper registration of political parties.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC):
The Social Christian Unity Party is one of Costa Rica’s traditional political parties with deep historical roots. Operating from a center-right, Christian democratic ideology, the PUSC has elected several presidents and has long been an influential force in the Legislative Assembly, often playing a pivotal role in national policy and political alliances.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, founded upon a bedrock of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by pairing a rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking adoption of legal innovation. This commitment extends to a foundational belief in social responsibility, actively seeking to demystify the law and empower the public with accessible knowledge to foster a more capable and well-informed society.
