No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCosta RicaCosta Rican President Accused of Offering Bribes to Congress President

Costa Rican President Accused of Offering Bribes to Congress President

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a new criminal investigation involving President Rodrigo Chaves. The offense in question relates to a form of corruption defined in the Costa Rican Penal Code, which occurs when a third party gives, offers, or promises a bribe or undue advantage to a state official.

Rodrigo Arias, president of Congress, claimed that the government suggested he allow the legislative commission’s term to expire. This commission was investigating the alleged illegal financing of Chaves’ campaign. In exchange, the ruling party’s deputies would support Arias’s reelection as head of Congress.

These statements were made during the program “Malas Compañías” Teletica Radio’s program. “I had a very difficult time with the president. He practically wanted me to let the commission expire. I told him I could not do that. It was the commission investigating the financing of political parties, whose term was due to expire at Easter, coinciding with the vacation period,” Arias stated.

He further explained that it was hinted, “if no action was taken, the commission’s term would expire, and it was suggested that, if so, the votes could be available. My response was that I could not allow it since that would imply a breach of my obligations as president of Congress.”

President Chaves denied Arias’ statements, asserting that they stemmed from Arias’ political ambitions. “He crossed a line, and he knows it, and it hurts me. The statements were made in confidence but also his words are divorced from the truth. I believe that Rodrigo Arias is interested in becoming President of Costa Rica, and this change of attitude is consistent with this hypothesis that many have in the world of politics,” said President Rodrigo Chaves.

The political commission in question was investigating the creation of an alleged parallel financing structure for the last political campaign. Opposition legislators are convinced that illegal financing was involved.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Launches Traceability System to Tackle Illegal Logging

Costa Rica is advancing with the creation of a National Forest Traceability System, a key tool to guarantee the legality and sustainability of timber...

A Closer Look at the Elusive Purple Gallinule in Costa Rica

Quick! Think of a purple bird! It’s a little difficult, right? I searched my brain and came up with a purple martin. A small...

Cosby Show Star Malcolm-Jamal Warner Dies in Costa Rica Drowning Accident

Malcolm-Jamal Warner passed away at 54 from an accidental drowning. He gained fame as Theo Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," playing the son in...

Panama Removed from EU High-Risk List, but Tax Haven Status Remains

The film The Laundromat, starring Meryl Streep, damaged Panama's reputation by drawing inspiration from a real-life story: the global scandal that erupted a decade...

Keylor Navas Joins Pumas UNAM in Major Liga MX Transfer

Keylor Navas has agreed to become the new goalkeeper for Pumas UNAM, marking one of the biggest signings in recent Liga MX history. The...

Venezuela Accuses El Salvador of Torturing Deported Migrants From U.S.

Sexual abuse, daily beatings, rotten food: The government of Nicolás Maduro on Monday denounced “torture” against Venezuelan migrants sent by the United States to...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica