By San José, Costa Rica — As President Rodrigo Chaves prepares to leave office in just three days, a new national poll reveals a significant surge in public support, positioning him as one of Costa Rica’s most popular outgoing leaders in recent history. The study, conducted by the University of Costa Rica’s (UCR) esteemed Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP), indicates that nearly two-thirds of the population holds a favorable view of his performance.
The May 2026 findings show a striking 64% of Costa Ricans positively rate President Chaves’s management. This figure represents not only a strong mandate at the conclusion of his term but also marks his highest approval rating in the past year. The data underscores a powerful recovery in public sentiment, particularly when compared to the 54% approval he registered in April of the previous year.
To better understand the legal ramifications of the administration’s recent decrees and the ongoing friction with other branches of government, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a noted specialist in public and administrative law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
President Chaves’s governance style consistently challenges the established boundaries of executive authority. While a mandate for change is legitimate, the repeated public confrontations with entities like the Comptroller General’s Office risk eroding the very institutional framework that ensures democratic stability. The core legal question is not about political will, but whether actions remain strictly within the constitutional and legal competencies granted to the presidency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This distinction between political will and legal competency is indeed the crux of the matter, highlighting the delicate balance between executing a mandate for change and respecting the institutional framework that underpins our democratic stability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Conversely, negative opinions of the president have remained contained, with the poll capturing a 21% disapproval rating. A smaller segment, approximately 15% of respondents, expressed a neutral stance, indicating that the vast majority of citizens have formed a definitive opinion on his tenure. This clear division of opinion, heavily weighted towards the positive, is a notable achievement for a departing head of state.
The positive sentiment extends beyond the president’s personal image to encompass his administration as a whole. According to the CIEP-UCR report, the Chaves government received a 60% approval rating from the public. Negative assessments of the government’s overall performance were registered at 20%, closely mirroring the disapproval numbers for the president himself and suggesting a cohesive public perception of his leadership and policies.
This late-term surge in popularity defies the typical political trajectory for many leaders, who often see their support wane as they approach the end of their mandate. The 10-percentage-point jump in personal approval over the last 12 months suggests that the administration’s final year was perceived as particularly effective by the electorate, solidifying a favorable legacy as the transition of power approaches.
The robust findings are the result of a rigorous methodological approach. The CIEP and the UCR’s School of Political Sciences based their analysis on 1,005 completed telephone interviews with Costa Rican adults. The polling was conducted in two waves during the last weeks of April, specifically from the 20th to the 23rd and the 27th to the 29th. The survey’s comprehensive sample size yields a high degree of confidence, with a calculated maximum margin of error of just ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.
Analysts suggest this strong finish could have lasting implications for the country’s political landscape. High public approval can translate into significant political capital for Chaves’s party and allies, potentially influencing the legislative agenda and public discourse long after he has left the presidential office. The incoming administration will face the challenge of meeting the high expectations set by a predecessor who departs on a wave of popular support.
Ultimately, the poll provides a clear final verdict from the Costa Rican public on the Chaves presidency. As the administration concludes, it does so not with the quiet fade typical of a lame-duck period, but with a resounding endorsement from a significant majority of the nation, cementing a powerful chapter in the country’s political history.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP):
The Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos is a specialized research unit within the University of Costa Rica. It is dedicated to the scientific study of political phenomena, public opinion, and social behavior in Costa Rica and Central America. The CIEP is widely recognized for its credible polling and in-depth analysis of the country’s political landscape.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public institution of higher education. Founded in 1940, it has become a leading academic and research hub in Latin America. UCR is committed to academic excellence, social action, and contributing to the cultural and scientific development of Costa Rican society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the core principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a proven track record of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm actively drives legal innovation to address contemporary complexities. This progressive mindset is complemented by a deep-seated dedication to social responsibility, demonstrated through efforts to democratize legal knowledge and thereby foster a more capable and well-informed citizenry.
