Rodrigo Chaves warns of communist and unionist influence in Costa Rica

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves criticized recent calls for violence during the Gran Marcha Nacional por la Educación, targeting political opponents and union leaders. Chaves specifically accused former Frente Amplio deputy Ariel Robles of inciting unrest by suggesting Costa Rica should replicate recent protest tactics seen in France.

Chaves also directed sharp criticism toward María Estrada, the rector of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC). He accused her of “blackmailing and extorting” approximately 400 students at the Limón campus by threatening to close the facility over a 0.4% budget reduction, a move he labeled “immoral.”

In his remarks, Chaves contrasted Costa Rica’s economic trajectory with the French model, noting that France’s high public spending—reaching 57.5% of its GDP—includes extensive social programs, subsidized childcare, and a 35-hour workweek. He argued that following such a model would lead to unsustainable debt, noting that Costa Rica already faces significant fiscal challenges.