Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves led a large protest demanding the resignation of Attorney General Carlo Díaz, who is investigating him for alleged campaign finance violations. Chaves claims the demonstrations reflect public awakening and criticizes government inaction on crime, while opposition figures accuse him of deflecting from unresolved issues. Tensions rise ahead of the 2026 elections, where Chaves seeks to strengthen his party’s influence in Congress.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica led a significant demonstration in San José, where thousands marched to call for the resignation of Attorney General Carlo Díaz. This protest stems from ongoing investigations against Chaves concerning alleged illegal campaign financing and abuse of power. Notably, Chaves himself encouraged this demonstration with a march toward the Prosecutor’s Office, amidst rising tensions between various branches of the government in Costa Rica, a nation often acknowledged for its democratic stability.

At the rally, President Chaves, a 63-year-old conservative economist and former World Bank official, remarked, “Now the people have awakened, today is a historic day in our homeland. I count on you.” His tough populist approach appears to resonate with voters as he criticizes the Prosecutor’s Office, the Judiciary, and Congress for their perceived inaction against the increasing rates of criminal violence. Furthermore, Chaves has attempted to diminish the authority of the Comptroller’s Office.

In defense of the ongoing investigations, Attorney General Díaz stated, “We have fought against insecurity and corruption. This demonstration is an attack on the separation of powers. We will not yield to pressure.” He emphasized the importance of respecting democratic institutions, a sentiment echoed by Orlando Aguirre, president of the Supreme Court of Justice, who called for the preservation of healthy democratic coexistence within the nation.

Opposition figures accuse Chaves of shifting focus away from pressing governmental issues that remain unresolved. Investigations by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal against Chaves for alleged political misconduct showcase these tensions. Moreover, Chaves frequently criticizes opposition parties, judges, and legislators during his weekly press briefings.

Chaves has expressed ambitions for his political party to secure a qualified majority in Congress in the upcoming presidential and legislative elections set for February 2026. This, he argues, is necessary to implement vital reforms. Jorge Flores, a 70-year-old retiree, voiced the sentiments of many demonstrators, saying, “Those in the Judiciary, the prosecutor, and all the magistrates – in 2026 we are going to remove them, we are going to sweep them away.”

Under current law, while the president enjoys immunity, he is prohibited from engaging in campaigns or influencing political parties. As Chaves cannot seek reelection due to restrictions on consecutive terms, speculation arises about him potentially aiming for a seat in the Legislative Assembly through officials allied with him.

The protest led by President Rodrigo Chaves signifies the growing divide within Costa Rican politics, as he calls for the resignation of Attorney General Carlo Díaz amidst serious investigations against him. This confrontation not only highlights issues of democratic governance and the separation of powers but also casts a spotlight on the country’s responses to political violence and corruption. As criticisms towards Chaves escalate, the nation approaches pivotal elections that could reshape its political landscape.

Original Source: ticotimes.net

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