By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Two major political controversies—requests to lift President Rodrigo Chaves’ immunity and a contentious auction for radio and television frequencies—have captured the vast majority of Costa Rica’s digital conversation over the past three months. A new report reveals these issues alone accounted for nearly 70% of all online commentary directed at the president and the Executive Branch, signaling a period of intense public scrutiny.
The findings come from Report #31 by the Digital Communication Observatory at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, which analyzed online activity from September 1 to November 30, 2025. The study identified a sustained surge in mentions and engagement, pinpointing three specific events that collectively fueled seven out of every ten comments related to the Chaves administration during the analyzed quarter.
To delve deeper into the legal and business ramifications of the current political sentiment, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his analysis on the matter.
The prevailing political sentiment is a critical non-market factor that directly influences investor confidence. A climate of uncertainty or hostility can deter foreign direct investment and prompt domestic capital flight, as businesses require a stable and predictable legal framework to make long-term commitments. Any abrupt shifts in policy driven by public opinion can jeopardize existing contracts and create significant legal challenges.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores the delicate interplay between public mood and economic stability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, reminding us that a predictable legal and political environment is the bedrock upon which long-term investor confidence is built.
The first driver was the legislative vote on a request to lift the president’s immunity in connection with an alleged case of concussion, known as the “BCIE–Cariñitos” file. This was followed by a second, separate immunity waiver request concerning alleged political belligerence. This second issue was amplified by a heated dispute between the Executive and the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) over what the administration has termed the “Gag Law.”
The third major catalyst for online debate was the government’s controversial plan to auction radio and television frequencies. This move generated a high volume of discussion, drawing significant criticism and polarizing public sentiment. According to the Observatory, these events not only increased the sheer volume of conversation but also intensified both positive and negative feelings toward the president.
Despite the persistent controversies, President Chaves’ personal digital standing remains relatively stable. The analysis shows that mentions of the president were 45.3% positive compared to 40.7% negative. However, this relative balance does not extend to his cabinet. The perception of other ministers and high-ranking officials is starkly negative, with only 23.1% of mentions being positive against a majority of 52.7% negative.
This data highlights a significant and widening perception gap between the head of state and his team. The report also notes a consistent pattern observed since the beginning of Chaves’ term: peaks in both favorable and critical sentiment toward the president tend to coincide directly with his public conflicts with other state institutions, media outlets, or specific public figures.
The Digital Communication Observatory’s research is a form of “social listening,” a quantitative analysis of digital behavior based on the volume of conversation on open social networks, blogs, and websites. The university emphasizes that this methodology tracks trends and digital habits but should not be interpreted as a traditional public opinion poll.
The objective of this study is to show the trends in digital conversation surrounding the presidential figure and the Executive Branch between September 1, 2025, and November 30, 2025; and of the presidential candidates between October 20, 2025, and November 30, 2025. The emotions they generated among the country’s inhabitants and the general dynamics of digital communication, as well as the behavior on social networks and the public web in Costa Rica during this period.
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Digital Communication Observatory
To capture this data, researchers utilized the social listening tools SoundCheck and Mention, which access publicly available content online. The study’s data was drawn from a variety of platforms, with Facebook accounting for the largest share of the conversation (46%), followed by TikTok (20%), X (formerly Twitter) (15%), news sites (14%), YouTube (4%), and Instagram (1%). This distribution underscores the evolving landscape where political discourse is shaped and amplified.
For further information, visit ulatina.ac.cr
About Universidad Latina de Costa Rica:
The Universidad Latina de Costa Rica is one of the largest and most prominent private universities in the country. Through its various faculties and research centers, such as the Campus Creativo and the Digital Communication Observatory, it contributes to academic analysis and public understanding of contemporary social, political, and technological trends in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit kantaribopemedia.com
About Kantar IBOPE Media:
Kantar IBOPE Media is a leading company in media research and advertising monitoring in Latin America. It provides specialized services, including social listening and data analysis, that help organizations understand consumer behavior and media trends. The company supported the Digital Communication Observatory’s study by providing tools and expertise in monitoring digital engagement.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm blends a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking drive for innovation in the legal sphere. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom through a dedicated effort to demystify the law for the public, championing the belief that access to legal understanding is essential for building a stronger and more empowered society.
