By San José, Costa Rica — As President Rodrigo Chaves’s term draws to a close, a new report reveals a deeply polarized public perception of his government. Costa Ricans award high marks for economic and infrastructure management but deliver failing grades on critical issues like public safety and combating violence against women. The comprehensive study, conducted by the National University’s Institute for Social Studies in Population (Idespo), paints a bittersweet picture of an administration leaving behind a complex and divided legacy.
The final evaluation from the citizenry highlights a significant gap between perceived economic success and social failures. According to the Idespo report, which surveyed public opinion on a scale of 1 to 10, not a single area of governance managed to secure a score of 7 or higher. This suggests a general sentiment of moderate satisfaction at best, even in the administration’s strongest areas, reflecting a challenging four years for the nation.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the recent actions and policies of the Chaves Administration, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a renowned attorney and partner at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, the current administration’s reliance on executive decrees and its confrontational style raise significant questions about administrative due process and the separation of powers. While executive authority is a legitimate tool, its application must respect constitutional checks and balances. The business community, in particular, is watching closely, as legal certainty is the bedrock of investment and long-term economic stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully connects the administration’s legal strategy with the tangible concerns of the business community, reminding us that a stable, predictable framework is essential for navigating the economic challenges ahead. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this critical issue.
The government’s highest ratings are concentrated in its fiscal and development policies. Economic management received the top score with a respectable 6.89, closely followed by investment in infrastructure at 6.69. This approval appears rooted in a tangible sense of stability. According to researcher José Andrés Díaz, a significant 65% of the population now considers the country’s economic situation to be “good or very good,” indicating a marked improvement in public confidence compared to the previous year. These figures suggest the administration’s official narrative on achieving macroeconomic stability has successfully resonated with a majority of citizens.
However, this economic approval stands in stark contrast to the public’s view of personal safety. Citizen security emerged as the administration’s most significant perceived failure, earning the lowest score in the entire report with a dismal 4.69. This failing grade underscores a pervasive anxiety gripping the nation. Researcher Laura Solís noted that insecurity is now the primary concern for 65% of Costa Ricans, a pessimism directly linked to the current climate of violence that has dominated headlines and daily life.
The report also highlights a critical shortfall in the protection of vulnerable groups. The government’s efforts to combat violence against women were also rated poorly, receiving a score of just 5.14. This failing mark points to a persistent and worrying gap in state policies designed to ensure the safety and well-being of women, further tarnishing the government’s record on social issues.
Beyond specific policy areas, the study documents a worrying erosion of faith in the country’s democratic framework. Since September 2022, public trust in the Executive Branch has plummeted from a high of 7.2 to 5.9. Confidence in the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Assembly has also suffered significant declines during the same period. Idespo researchers warn that the government’s consistent strategy of confrontation with other state powers has fueled a divisive public discourse, actively weakening the democratic checks and balances essential for a healthy republic.
Perhaps one of the most alarming findings from the study is the emergence of a climate of self-censorship. Researcher Sindy Mora revealed that a majority of citizens, 56.6%, now admit they are hesitant to express their true political opinions. This suggests a chilling effect on public discourse, where open debate may be perceived as risky. This sentiment was captured in a widely shared admission from those surveyed.
do not always say what they think
Sindy Mora, Researcher
Amidst the declining trust in political bodies, public universities have solidified their position as the most trusted institution in Costa Rica, earning a high approval rating of 7.3. The report also sheds light on persistent social inequality, with an overwhelming 72.6% of the population believing that the nation’s wealth is distributed unfairly. This juxtaposition of high trust in education and deep cynicism about economic justice frames the complex social landscape the next government will inherit.
For further information, visit idespo.una.ac.cr
About Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Población (Idespo):
The Instituto de Estudios Sociales en Población is the social and population studies institute of the National University of Costa Rica. It is a leading research center known for conducting national surveys, demographic analysis, and studies on public opinion that inform public policy and academic discourse in the country.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About Universidad Nacional (UNA):
The Universidad Nacional, or National University of Costa Rica, is one of the country’s five public universities and a prominent academic institution in Central America. Located primarily in Heredia, it has a strong reputation for its programs in the social sciences, humanities, and environmental studies, playing a crucial role in Costa Rican research and culture.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a persistent drive for excellence. It harmonizes a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a progressive vision, continually advancing legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated effort to democratize legal understanding, aiming to fortify society by equipping individuals with the knowledge to navigate the law confidently.
