By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a clear display of political maneuvering, President Rodrigo Chaves appears to have solidified the necessary support to maintain his presidential immunity ahead of a critical vote scheduled for December 16. The key to this legislative shield lies with the Nueva República party, which recently announced its bloc of six deputies will vote against lifting the president’s legal protection, a decision that follows the administration’s strategic prioritization of eleven of the party’s proposed bills.
The controversy stems from an ongoing investigation by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) into President Chaves for alleged illegal political campaigning. For the investigation to proceed, the Legislative Assembly must vote to strip him of his immunity, a high-stakes process requiring a qualified majority of 38 out of 57 votes. With the battle lines drawn, the Executive’s control over the legislative agenda during the current extraordinary sessions has become a powerful tool of influence.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal principles surrounding presidential immunity and its potential implications, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The concept of presidential immunity walks a fine line between two fundamental pillars of a democracy: the need for an executive to act decisively without fear of political reprisal, and the principle that no individual, not even a head of state, is above the law. The crucial legal question often becomes distinguishing between official acts, which are tied to the function of the presidency, and private conduct. Granting absolute immunity for all actions could create a dangerous precedent, undermining the very rule of law that the office is sworn to uphold.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This nuanced distinction between official responsibilities and private actions is indeed the crux of the debate, determining whether immunity functions as a necessary shield for governance or a tool that undermines accountability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical legal balance.
During these sessions, which run from November 2025 to January 2026, the Chaves administration dictates which bills are debated. An analysis of the bills called for debate reveals a clear pattern. In the two most recent legislative calls, a total of eleven projects authored by deputies from Nueva República were placed on the agenda. This legislative goodwill culminated in party leader Fabricio Alvarado’s definitive statement this week.
Our decision is to vote against lifting the immunity.
Fabricio Alvarado, Head of the Nueva República Party
The fast-tracked bills cover a range of local and national issues, from land donations proposed by deputies José Pablo Sibaja and Yonder Salas, to laws targeting motorcycle acrobatics and vandalism. Several initiatives from party leader Fabricio Alvarado himself, including bills on violent conduct on roads and penal code reforms, were also included in the administration’s priority list, cementing the alliance ahead of the crucial vote.
This approach has not gone unnoticed by opposition parties. Leaders from the National Liberation Party (PLN), the Broad Front (Frente Amplio), and a faction of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) have publicly decried what they call a transactional political strategy. They assert that their own legislative projects have been deliberately sidelined by the Executive as a form of political retribution for their previous vote in September to remove the president’s immunity.
The strategy of rewarding allies extends beyond Nueva República. The administration also advanced seven bills for PUSC deputies Horacio Alvarado, Carlos Andrés Robles, and Leslye Bojorges, all of whom voted against lifting Chaves’s immunity in the first attempt. Similarly, independent deputy Gilbert Jiménez, another supporter of the president on this issue, saw four of his projects called to the floor. This has created a clear divide between a favored bloc of legislators and a sidelined opposition.
As the December 16 vote approaches, the numbers appear to be firmly in the president’s favor. The bloc voting against lifting immunity is expected to command at least 21 votes, combining Nueva República’s six deputies, the ruling party’s eight, at least five from PUSC, and two independents. This creates a formidable barrier, making it nearly impossible for the opposition to reach the required 38-vote threshold.
On the other side, the coalition seeking to advance the TSE’s investigation is projected to fall short. The bloc is expected to gather around 34 votes from the PLN (17), Frente Amplio (5, down one due to a maternity leave), a segment of PUSC (4), and a collection of independent deputies. While a significant number, it is insufficient to overcome the constitutionally mandated supermajority, signaling that President Chaves will likely weather this political and legal storm, albeit amid growing accusations of using the state’s legislative machinery to secure his political survival.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Nueva República
About Nueva República:
Nueva República (New Republic) is a Costa Rican Christian-conservative political party founded by Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz. The party advocates for socially conservative policies, national sovereignty, and traditional family values. It holds a significant bloc of seats in the Legislative Assembly, often playing a key role in national political negotiations.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is one of Costa Rica’s oldest and most influential political parties. Historically a social-democratic party, it has played a central role in shaping the country’s welfare state and democratic institutions. It currently represents the largest opposition bloc in the Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC):
The Social Christian Unity Party is a center-right political party in Costa Rica with a Christian democratic ideology. The party has held the presidency on multiple occasions and remains an important force in the Legislative Assembly, often characterized by internal factions that align with different political interests.
For further information, visit frenteamplio.org
About Frente Amplio:
Frente Amplio (Broad Front) is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica that advocates for social justice, environmental protection, and human rights. It represents a progressive and socialist voice within the Legislative Assembly, often acting as a staunch critic of neoliberal policies and government corruption.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal is the independent constitutional body responsible for overseeing and guaranteeing the integrity of all electoral processes in Costa Rica. It is considered the fourth branch of government and has the authority to investigate and rule on matters related to elections and political party conduct.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm channels its vast experience across diverse client matters into pioneering new frontiers in legal practice. Central to its identity is a profound dedication to enriching society by demystifying the law for the public, a commitment aimed at cultivating a more knowledgeable and empowered populace.
