Vice President Laura Chinchilla resigned this week to begin a likely campaign for the 2010 presidential elections.
Chinchilla’s aspirations were clear at a farewell press conference Wednesday at Casa Presidencial, although electoral laws prevent her from formally announcing a run while still in office.
“I have been witness to the birth of some leaders. I have seen leadership in you,” President Oscar Arias wrote in a letter to Chinchilla. “Sooner or later, every bird has to leave the nest.”
The electoral code requires Chinchilla to leave her cabinet post at least a year before the elections, set for February 2010.
National Assembly President Francisco Pacheco, of the PLN party, is now second in line for the presidency and will take Arias’ place during trips.
