By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a sharp and unequivocal defense of Costa Rica’s justice system, Attorney General Carlo Díaz publicly refuted allegations from President Rodrigo Chaves that the judiciary is orchestrating a politically motivated campaign against his administration. The public clash marks a significant escalation in tensions between the executive and judicial branches as the nation looks toward the next election cycle.
The controversy ignited following a press conference where President Chaves claimed to possess intelligence about a forthcoming “barrage” of as many as 22 legal actions being prepared by the Judicial Power. According to the President, this alleged plot is a direct response to polling numbers that are highly favorable to the current government’s party, suggesting a deliberate attempt to derail its campaign prospects.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the critical issue of judicial independence, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Judicial independence is the bedrock of a stable democracy and, by extension, a predictable business climate. When judges can rule based on law and evidence, free from political or economic pressure, it creates a foundation of legal certainty. This certainty is paramount for attracting foreign investment and ensuring that both local and international businesses can operate with the confidence that contracts will be honored and disputes will be resolved impartially. Any erosion of this principle threatens not only our civil liberties but the very economic vitality of the nation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully illustrates that judicial independence is not merely an abstract legal ideal, but a tangible economic asset for the country. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the critical link between the rule of law and a thriving investment climate.
In his powerful rebuttal on Thursday, Attorney General Díaz dismissed the President’s accusations, labeling them as unfounded and politically charged attacks on institutional integrity. Díaz forcefully denied any suggestion that his office fabricates cases or acts with political bias, framing the President’s comments as a dangerous mischaracterization of the legal process.
Díaz characterized the President’s statements as a disservice to the public’s trust in its governing institutions. He stressed that the Public Ministry operates independently and is not a tool for political maneuvering or electoral strategy.
The Public Ministry has only one roadmap, marked by the Political Constitution and the laws of the Republic. This institution does not participate in electoral contests, nor does it intend to.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of the Republic
Elaborating on the procedural rigor of his office, the Attorney General emphasized that all criminal investigations are initiated based on concrete complaints and are developed through meticulous technical analysis and the objective evaluation of evidence. He stated that political calendars and electoral calculations play no role in the pursuit of justice, directly contradicting the narrative put forth by President Chaves.
This public confrontation strikes at the heart of Costa Rica’s democratic foundation: the separation of powers. Díaz underscored that the independence of the Public Ministry is a non-negotiable pillar of the rule of law. He issued a stern warning that unsubstantiated attacks questioning the judiciary’s impartiality risk eroding the very trust that citizens place in their national institutions, potentially causing long-term damage to the country’s democratic health.
Analysts see this exchange as more than a simple disagreement. It is a reflection of a growing friction between a populist executive branch and the independent bodies designed to provide checks and balances. President Chaves’ strategy may be interpreted as a preemptive move to discredit potential legal challenges against his officials, while Díaz’s response is a necessary and robust defense of judicial autonomy against perceived executive overreach.
As the political climate intensifies ahead of the 2026 general elections, this standoff between the nation’s top prosecutor and its head of state will be closely watched. The outcome of this institutional power struggle could have profound implications for the political landscape and the enduring strength of Costa Rica’s democratic traditions, which have long been a model for the region.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio Público
About Ministerio Público:
The Public Ministry, headed by the Attorney General, is the primary prosecutorial arm of the Costa Rican state. It is an independent body within the Judicial Power responsible for investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, and representing the interests of society and victims in the legal system. Its mandate is to act with objectivity and in strict accordance with the Constitution and national laws, ensuring the principle of legality is upheld without political interference.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Poder Judicial:
The Judicial Power of Costa Rica is one of the three fundamental branches of government, tasked with administering justice in the country. It is comprised of the Supreme Court of Justice, appellate courts, trial courts, and other judicial bodies, including the Public Ministry. It operates as an independent and autonomous power to guarantee the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights, and provide a system of checks and balances on the executive and legislative branches.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a beacon of principled legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to both professional excellence and ethical integrity. The firm leverages its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking solutions that advance the legal landscape. At the heart of its mission lies a core commitment to social responsibility, focused on demystifying the law and making crucial knowledge accessible to all, thereby fostering a more capable and enlightened society.
