Seven Costa Rican ministers step down, deepening political crisis

Seven senior ministers in Costa Rica resigned on 29 July, intensifying the political crisis as President Rodrigo Chávez faces corruption allegations and mounting public unrest.

The mass resignations include key figures such as the Minister of the Presidency and the Vice Minister of Culture. These departures follow a series of high-profile exits, including the resignation of Vice Minister of Youth Mercedes Hidalgo Bravo earlier this month.

The timing of the resignations coincides with escalating tensions between the executive and judiciary. On 1 July, Costa Rica's Supreme Court voted to strip President Chávez of his legal immunity, allowing for potential prosecution on corruption charges. This unprecedented move has further polarized the nation's political landscape.

In response to these developments, President Chávez led a protest in San José on 18 March, demanding the resignation of Attorney General Carlo Díaz, whom he accuses of obstructing his administration's reforms. The protest highlighted the deepening rift between the executive branch and other government institutions.

The series of resignations and ongoing political clashes have raised concerns about the stability of Costa Rica's democratic institutions and the potential impact on the upcoming 2026 elections.

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