Costa Rica Deputy José Miguel Villalobos to suspend legal practice

Costa Rican Deputy José Miguel Villalobos announced he will voluntarily suspend his membership with the Colegio de Abogados y Abogadas de Costa Rica to cease practicing law while serving in the Legislative Assembly.

Villalobos stated his decision follows a campaign promise and aligns with recent calls from President Laura Fernández for legislators to dedicate themselves to their duties on a full-time basis, including weekends. He supported a motion aimed at prohibiting deputies from engaging in liberal professions or other remunerated activities during their terms.

While Villalobos is the only member of the Pueblo Soberano Party to support the motion, he called for “congruencia” (congruence) among his colleagues. He argued that restrictions should not only apply to liberal professions but should also include deputies who teach, sit on corporate boards, or hold salaried positions, as these activities may detract from legislative responsibilities.