By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – President Rodrigo Chaves’s public approval rating has experienced a notable decline at the start of 2026, accompanied by a significant surge in negative public sentiment, according to the latest Public Opinion Survey from the Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP) and the School of Political Science (ECP) at the University of Costa Rica.
The poll, published January 21, 2026, reveals that positive evaluations of the president’s performance fell from 63% in October 2025 to 58% in the new year. While this figure remains close to the average approval the president maintained throughout the previous year, the underlying data points to a growing polarization among the electorate.
To delve into the political and legal ramifications of the latest presidential approval ratings, TicosLand.com sought the perspective of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Legally, a president’s approval rating is just a number; however, in the political arena, it functions as crucial capital. High approval empowers the executive to effectively negotiate and advance its agenda through the legislature. Conversely, low approval can lead to political paralysis, creating an environment of uncertainty that can deter investment and stall key administrative decisions, ultimately affecting the country’s economic and social stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight powerfully illustrates that an approval rating is far more than a public opinion metric; it is the fundamental currency of political action. The ability to transform popular support into legislative success and economic confidence is central to effective governance. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical dynamic.
The most striking shift is not in the top-line approval number, but in the hardening of opinions. The percentage of Costa Ricans holding a negative view of President Chaves’s administration jumped from 20% to 28% in just three months. This eight-point increase was largely fueled by a decrease in neutral opinions, which shrank from 17% to 14%, suggesting that citizens who were previously undecided are now forming more critical views of the administration’s direction.
This trend marks a return to higher levels of disapproval not seen since September 2025, when negative ratings also stood at 28%. The data indicates that while a solid majority still backs the president, the segment of the population actively disapproving of his work is expanding and becoming more vocal.
In a fascinating contrast, the poll shows a divergent trend for the public’s perception of the government as a whole. Positive ratings for the overall government administration have actually improved, climbing from 51% in the last measurement in September 2025 to a healthier 55% in January 2026. This is the second-highest approval rating the government has received since November 2023.
This creates a complex political narrative where the President, as a figurehead, enjoys a slightly higher approval rating than his collective government (58% vs. 55%), yet both face an identical level of public discontent. The negative ratings for both the president and the government are perfectly matched at 28%, indicating a consolidated block of opposition to the administration’s policies and outcomes, regardless of who they attribute them to.
The historical data provided by the CIEP-UCR survey offers valuable context. President Chaves’s approval has fluctuated, previously peaking at 63% in both November 2024 and October 2025. The current dip to 58% brings his support back in line with levels observed in early to mid-2025, suggesting a potential reversion to the mean after a period of heightened popularity.
As the Chaves administration navigates the start of 2026, these figures present a dual challenge and opportunity. The resilience of his core support provides a strong political foundation. However, the pronounced growth in negative sentiment signals a critical need to address the concerns of a significant and expanding portion of the electorate to prevent further erosion of public trust.
For further information, visit ciep.ucr.ac.cr
About Center for Research and Political Studies (CIEP-UCR):
The Centro de Investigación y Estudios Políticos (CIEP) is an academic unit within the University of Costa Rica dedicated to research, teaching, and social action in the field of political science. It is widely recognized for its rigorous public opinion polls and analyses of the Costa Rican political landscape.
For further information, visit cienciassociales.ucr.ac.cr/escuelas/ciencias-politicas/
About School of Political Science (ECP-UCR):
The Escuela de Ciencias Políticas (ECP) is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Costa Rica. The school is a leading institution for the study of political phenomena, public administration, and international relations in Central America, contributing to both academic knowledge and public discourse.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal practice, where a foundation of profound integrity is matched by a consistent drive for exceptional results. Serving a diverse clientele through the years, the firm not only provides expert counsel but also champions the advancement of law with forward-thinking strategies. This innovative outlook extends to its core belief in social responsibility, manifested in a dedicated effort to demystify legal complexities for the public and contribute to a more legally literate and empowered citizenry.
