Epsy Campbell resigned Tuesday from her position as Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister following an investigation into the process by which she appointed certain officials.
Campbell, who will continue in her role as First Vice President, said in a statement that she had informed President Carlos Alvarado of her decision Tuesday morning.
“I understand very well that my responsibility with this country goes beyond being in charge of a portfolio,” Campbell said. “Therefore, I will continue working hard to achieve the levels of development that this country deserves, from my office as Vice President of the Republic of Costa Rica.
“I reiterate my commitment to the political project of the Alvarado Quesada Administration, and I deeply appreciate the confidence and repeated expressions of support from the President.”
Campbell has been facing scrutiny over the appointment of a director and a sub-director of Foreign Affairs who did not previously hold the rank of ambassador as required by law. Last Friday, the Attorney General had confirmed the illegality of the appointments.
In her statement, Campbell reiterated that other members of the administration had endorsed the controversial appointments.
“In my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, I transferred the proposed appointments to the Human Resources department, who validated compliance with the technical and legal requirements,” she said. “[…] In none of the stages of the process must I, as Foreign Minister, issue legal or technical criteria on the respective appointment.”
Campbell was the first female Foreign Minister in Costa Rican history. She is also the first Afro-descendant woman ever to become vice president in the Americas.
Read The Tico Times’ interview with Epsy Campbell from April 2018:
Our chat with Epsy Campbell, Costa Rica’s vice president-elect
