Rodrigo Chaves Stays at Center of Power as Costa Rica Enters Fernández Era
Costa Rica’s transfer of power on Friday is bringing a new president but not a clean break from the leader who dominated the last four years of national politics. Outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves will remain inside the next government as one of its most powerful figures after President-elect Laura Fernández named him minister of the Presidency and minister of Finance. The appointment keeps Chaves at the center of political decision-making while also preserving his legal immunity as he faces unresolved corruption and campaign finance allegations, which he denies. The decision is highly unusual in Costa Rican politics. Rather than stepping away after leaving the presidency, Chaves will move directly into two posts that give him influence over the government’s relationship with the Legislative Assembly and control over the country’s fiscal agenda. The minister of the Presidency traditionally serves as a key link between the executive branch, lawmakers, public institutions and ot...