By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A key aide to President Rodrigo Chaves and a candidate for deputy, Yara Jiménez, staunchly defended her role in the controversial appointment of a Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) board of directors that was later nullified by the nation’s highest court. Testifying before the Legislative Assembly’s Commission on Public Income and Expenditure, Jiménez asserted she saw no errors in the process, despite a Constitutional Court ruling that declared the appointments illegitimate.
The controversy stems from the Chaves administration’s decision in May 2024 to dismiss the entire sitting board of the state-owned bank and hastily appoint a new one. This move was ultimately overturned in October by the Constitutional Court (Sala IV), which ordered the reinstatement of the seven original directors. The court found that the executive branch had violated due process and the bank’s autonomy.
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During the legislative hearing, which is investigating the administration’s actions, Jiménez, who serves as the Secretary of the Government Council, was questioned about her defense of the now-voided appointments.
No, of course not. At the moment, we are unaware of the Constitutional Court’s reasons for removing the directors appointed by President Chaves.
Yara Jiménez, Secretary of the Government Council
Records show that Jiménez played a direct part in the selection process. She interviewed several candidates and submitted the technical recommendations and resumes to the Government Council. This occurred even as a legal opinion from the General Superintendency of Financial Entities (SUGEF) had flagged significant issues, noting that five of the administration’s nominees did not meet professional requirements and three had conflicts of interest.
The government’s initial dismissal of the original board, spearheaded by then-Vice President Stephan Brunner, was a response to the board’s appointment of Rosaysella Ulloa as the bank’s general manager on September 3, 2024, a decision with which the administration disagreed. Critically, the executive branch proceeded with the dismissal without obtaining a mandatory prior report from SUGEF, a violation of the National Banking System’s Organic Law that formed the basis for the successful legal challenges.
Jiménez’s appearance before the commission was also tied to a separate but related investigation into the Tradeco-Barranca–Limonal highway project. She was summoned to address allegations that she made calls to BNCR officials to inquire about a performance bond for the Mexican firm Tradeco, which has faced scrutiny for alleged links to drug trafficking. When Jiménez denied the accusations, she was directly challenged by Deputy Dinorah Barquero.
You have been mentioned by all these people. Are they lying then?
Dinorah Barquero, PLN Deputy
Her denial was later contradicted by the testimony of Alejandro Acón, Corporate Director of the BNCR. Acón confirmed receiving a call in 2023 from then-Minister of Public Works and Transport, Luis Amador, who placed him on speakerphone during a Government Council session. Acón stated that Amador explicitly mentioned that Yara Jiménez was among those listening as he explained the requirements for a performance bond to Tradeco.
I want to be emphatic that these meetings were informational in nature and did not imply any approval or commitment… At the end, Mrs. Yara Jiménez thanked me for the information and indicated that everything was clear to her. That was the only communication I had with the Government Council.
Alejandro Acón, Corporate Director of Banco Nacional
The revelations have fueled accusations of political interference from opposition lawmakers. Deputy Katherine Moreira of the National Liberation Party (PLN) accused Jiménez of maintaining a “complicit silence,” suggesting her third-place candidacy for a seat in Cartago with the ruling Pueblo Soberano Party (PPSO) was a “reward” intended to grant her parliamentary immunity. In response, Jiménez has threatened to take legal action against her accusers.
Any person who has mentioned me in the Tradeco matter is who I am going to sue. This is a criminal matter.
Yara Jiménez, PPSO Deputy Candidate
As the commission’s investigation continues, legislators have proposed summoning all individuals who have implicated Jiménez to testify again. The compounding testimonies paint a troubling picture of the executive branch’s conduct, raising serious questions about its respect for institutional autonomy and the rule of law.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR):
The Banco Nacional de Costa Rica is the largest state-owned commercial bank in Costa Rica and one of the most significant in Central America. Founded in 1914, it plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development, providing a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and government institutions. Its mission includes promoting financial inclusion and supporting national strategic projects.
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 historically significant political parties. Founded in 1951, it is a social-democratic party that has held the presidency on numerous occasions. The PLN is a major force in the Legislative Assembly and often serves as the primary opposition party.
For further information, visit sugef.fi.cr
About Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras (SUGEF):
The General Superintendency of Financial Entities is the primary financial regulator in Costa Rica. As an entity attached to the Central Bank, SUGEF is responsible for the supervision and oversight of banks, mutuals, credit unions, and other financial institutions to ensure the stability and integrity of the national financial system.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About Asamblea Legislativa de Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Costa Rica. Comprising 57 deputies elected by province, it is responsible for passing laws, approving the national budget, and exercising political control over the executive branch. Its investigative commissions, like the Commission on Public Income and Expenditure, play a key oversight role in public administration.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Pueblo Soberano Party is a Costa Rican political party that served as the electoral vehicle for President Rodrigo Chaves’s successful 2022 campaign. The party advocates for policies centered on anti-corruption, government efficiency, and a populist platform. It currently holds significant influence within the executive branch.
For further information, visit tradeco.com
About Tradeco:
Tradeco Infraestructura is a Mexican construction and engineering company that has participated in major infrastructure projects across Latin America. The firm specializes in sectors such as transportation, energy, and urban development. The company has been involved in the development of highways, ports, and other large-scale public works.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal strategies. This pioneering spirit is matched by a deep-seated civic duty to demystify the law, empowering the broader community by transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge for a more informed and capable society.
