No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeCosta Rican Minister Calls CCSS Raids 'Abuse of Power' in Heated Statement

Costa Rican Minister Calls CCSS Raids ‘Abuse of Power’ in Heated Statement

The Chaves administration strongly criticized the operation that led to the detention of Marta Esquivel, executive president of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), and other officials.

“We see this as a clear threat from the Prosecutor’s Office to the Government. It is very dangerous. We must stop the Prosecutor’s Office from using its authority to paralyze the Government through illegitimate harassment. We expect the people to be alert and vigilant because we are facing an unprecedented threat in the history of our country,” said Laura Fernández, Minister of the Presidency.

Minister Fernández released a video on social media addressing the issue, notably without President Rodrigo Chaves.

Fernández called the Public Prosecutor’s investigation into the concession contracts of EBAIS to private entities, involving significant overpricing, an “abuse of power” and a “show,” deeming it “absurd.”

Minister Fernández emphasized that the contracts “are not even finalized,” and no money has been transferred. She also noted that the initial complaint “is barely two months old,” accusing the judicial authorities of acting prematurely.

She further questioned why the Prosecutor’s Office moved “so quickly, relying on unnecessary sensationalism,” when it has not shown the same urgency in other cases. She mentioned complaints filed by the current administration about older issues and ongoing matters.

Former President Miguel Ángel Rodríguez also criticized the “theatricality” and “abusive cruelty” displayed by the Attorney General’s Office in launching its investigations.

“Citizens have become accustomed, from cases such as the investigations into the tragic murders of Ivannia Mora and Parmenio Medina, and the Caja-Fischel and Alcatel-ICE scandals, to the theatricality and abusive cruelty of constitutional rights with which the Attorney General’s Office presents initial accusations to the public,” he said.

The former president stressed that greater restraint should guide such actions and that the constitutional rights of all Costa Ricans must be respected.

“I know this firsthand, as the country witnessed the unconstitutional and grotesque spectacle surrounding my voluntary and announced return. That is why I consider the manner in which the CCSS officials were arrested today to be highly inappropriate,” the ex-President stated.

Trending Now

Empty Stadiums and Inequality Mar Women’s Copa América

Nearly empty stadiums, players' criticism of the organization, and demands for equality in South American football have marked the 2025 Women's Copa América in...

Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano Park Reopening to Tourists With Safety Measures

The Poás Volcano National Park will reopen its doors to tourism starting July 30, after  scientific entities reported a decrease in volcanic activity. This was...

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...

Guatemala’s Gang War Funeral Attack Leaves 7 Dead and 13 Injured

At least seven people were killed and 13 wounded in an armed attack Tuesday night at a funeral in downtown Guatemala City, which authorities...

Keylor Navas Leads Pumas to Victory in His Liga MX Debut

Keylor Navas kicked off his Mexican league journey with Pumas UNAM in style, leading the team to a 2–0 win over Querétaro at Estadio...

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Vacation in Costa Rica with Baby

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly touched down in Costa Rica for a family getaway with their three-month-old daughter, Saga Blade Fox-Baker. Photographers caught...
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