Costa Rica legislative commission recommends against re-electing Magistrate Patricia Solano

The Appointments Commission of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica has recommended against the re-election of Patricia Solano Castro as a magistrate of the Third Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice. The decision, reached with a 4-3 vote, follows criticism from ruling party deputies regarding her management of criminal justice and the country's rising insecurity.

Deputy Marta Esquivel Rodríguez, chair of the commission, argued that Solano has failed to establish a criminal policy that aligns with national reality. Other legislators raised concerns regarding the Judiciary's response to increasing crime and extradition cases. In her defense, Solano, who has served in the Judiciary since 1988, requested that the decision be based on verifiable information rather than political differences.

Separately, Deputy Esquivel has raised questions regarding a ₡128 million loan granted to Solano by the Judicial Servants' Solidarity Association. Concerns have been voiced regarding the 30-year term of the loan, the technical guarantees used for the credit, and the legality of severance pay contributions made in her name.