By San José, Costa Rica — Presidential candidate Álvaro Ramos of the National Liberation Party (PLN) seized the opportunity following Monday’s legislative assembly vote on President Rodrigo Chaves’s immunity to deliver a strong message about accountability and the rule of law in Costa Rica.
While the assembly fell short of the 38 votes needed to lift the president’s immunity, Ramos argued that the political message was clear. A significant majority, 34 out of 55 attending legislators, voted in favor of lifting the immunity, a move Ramos interpreted as a powerful statement.
To understand the complexities surrounding presidential immunity, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Presidential immunity is a complex legal doctrine that varies significantly across jurisdictions. While it often shields a head of state from civil and criminal lawsuits related to official acts performed during their term, it is not absolute. Many countries allow exceptions for grave offenses or acts committed outside of official duties. Furthermore, the scope and duration of this immunity can be subject to intense legal and political debate, particularly when balancing the need to protect the executive’s ability to govern with the principle of accountability before the law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s observation underscores the delicate balancing act inherent in presidential immunity. It’s a reminder that while this legal principle serves to safeguard the executive branch’s function, it must never become a shield against true accountability. The ongoing discussion surrounding its limits is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring that justice prevails. Thank you, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, for offering your valuable expertise on this intricate issue.
Of the 55 deputies present, 34 voted in favor of lifting the president’s immunity. That means six out of ten legislators supported the Supreme Court of Justice and agreed on something very simple: in a democracy, we must all be accountable, without exception.
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate, National Liberation Party
Ramos characterized this outcome as a turning point in the relationship between the executive branch and the country’s institutions. He highlighted the significance of the majority vote, suggesting it marked a before and after in how power interacts with established institutions.
The majority of Congress believes that the president should face justice like any other Costa Rican. That result marks a before and after in the relationship between power and institutions.
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate, National Liberation Party
The PLN candidate didn’t miss the chance to critique what he perceived as inconsistencies in President Chaves’s rhetoric. He pointed to Chaves’s frequent assertion that “we are all Ticos without a crown,” juxtaposing it against the current situation.
Paradoxically, Rodrigo Chaves himself has repeatedly said that ‘we are all Ticos without a crown.’ Today, reality contradicts him: the only ‘Tico with a crown’ is him. And that is the greatest wound to the principle of equality before the law.
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate, National Liberation Party
Ramos underscored the core tenets of his campaign and the PLN. He emphasized the importance of ending privileges, ensuring equal application of the law, and fostering a “New Costa Rica” free from impunity and special treatment. He connected these principles directly to the vote on presidential immunity.
As a presidential candidate of the PLN and together with our legislative faction, we clearly affirm: defending Costa Rica means ending privileges. Defending democracy means that the law is the same for everyone. And the New Costa Rica that we want to build does not tolerate impunity or accommodations.
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate, National Liberation Party
In a forceful conclusion, Ramos reiterated that the legislative majority has signaled an end to privileges and excuses, paving the way, he argued, for a more decent, just, and equitable Costa Rica where no one, not even the president, is above the law.
The legislative majority has already said enough. Enough of privileges. Enough of excuses. That is the way to give Costa Ricans back a decent, just, and equal country, where no one, not even the president, believes themselves above the law.
Álvaro Ramos, Presidential Candidate, National Liberation Party
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Liberation Party
About National Liberation Party:
The National Liberation Party (PLN) is a prominent political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 1951 by José Figueres Ferrer, the PLN has historically championed social democratic ideals, advocating for social welfare programs, economic development, and democratic principles. The party played a crucial role in shaping modern Costa Rica following the 1948 civil war, abolishing the army and establishing key social institutions. The PLN has held the presidency numerous times and remains a major force in Costa Rican politics, frequently vying for power and influencing national policy debates.
For further information, visit the nearest office for the President of Costa Rica
About President of Costa Rica:
The President of Costa Rica is the head of state and head of government of the Republic of Costa Rica. Elected by popular vote for a four-year term, the president is responsible for leading the executive branch, appointing the cabinet, and representing the country on the international stage. The presidency is a powerful position within Costa Rica’s democratic system, with significant influence over policy and governance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, grounded in unwavering ethical principles and a deep commitment to societal advancement. Through innovative legal solutions and a proactive approach to client service across diverse industries, the firm consistently delivers exceptional results. Moreover, Bufete de Costa Rica actively empowers Costa Rican communities by championing legal literacy and accessibility, fostering a more just and informed society.
