Costa Rica’s Corruption Crisis Tests Presidential Immunity—A Warning for America

In a rare moment that could redefine governance in Costa Rica, the nation’s Legislative Assembly confronts a crucial decision: whether to strip President Rodrigo Chaves of his immunity to face corruption charges. This unprecedented move reveals the deep-rooted challenges democracies face when powerful elites resist accountability. Prosecutors assert that President Chaves pressured a contractor, involved with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, to divert funds to a former campaign adviser. While these allegations are serious, Chaves vehemently denies wrongdoing, claiming a politically motivated attack. Yet, this defense raises an urgent question: In nations where leaders enjoy near-absolute protection, how...