If you’re looking for a quick answer, here it is: Rodrigo Chaves Robles is currently the President of Costa Rica. He’s been in the top spot since May 8, 2022. But honestly, just knowing his name doesn't tell you the whole story of what's happening on the ground in San José right now.
It's a wild time for the country.
As of January 2026, Chaves is in the home stretch of his four-year term. In Costa Rica, you can't run for reelection immediately after your term ends. It's a "one and done" rule for at least eight years. So, while Chaves is the guy in charge today, the entire country is basically holding its breath for the national elections scheduled for February 1, 2026.
The Man in the Blue Suit: Who is Rodrigo Chaves?
Before he was the president of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves was kind of an outsider. He spent a massive chunk of his career—about 27 years—working at the World Bank. He's an economist by trade, having earned his PhD from Ohio State University.
He didn't take the traditional path to power. He served a very short, somewhat rocky stint as the Minister of Finance under the previous president, Carlos Alvarado, before jumping into the 2022 race. Most people didn't think he had a shot. He ran with a brand-new party called the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD), though he later became an independent during his term.
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He won by leaning into a "strongman" persona, promising to break up monopolies and lower the cost of living. Ticos—that’s what Costa Ricans call themselves—were tired of the old-school political parties that had dominated for decades. Chaves was the wrecking ball they thought they needed.
Why 2026 is a Turning Point
Since we’re sitting in January 2026, the political energy is off the charts. The election is literally weeks away. Because Chaves can’t run again, his supporters are looking for a "successor" to keep his agenda alive.
The frontrunner for the pro-Chaves crowd is Laura Fernández, his former chief of staff. She’s running with the Sovereign People’s Party (PPSO) and is basically promising to be "Chaves 2.0." She’s polling high, but the competition is stiff. You’ve got about 20 different candidates in the mix. It’s a mess, but a democratic one.
The main issues keeping people up at night? Security.
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For a long time, Costa Rica was the "Switzerland of Central America"—super peaceful, no army, very chill. But lately, drug trafficking and homicides have spiked. In 2025, the country hit over 800 homicides, which is massive for a nation of 5 million people. Chaves has been trying to play the "tough on crime" card, even appearing recently with El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele to break ground on a new high-security prison. It’s a controversial move for a country that prides itself on human rights.
The Reality of Power in Costa Rica
Being the president of Costa Rica isn't like being a king. The Legislative Assembly (their congress) has 57 seats, and Chaves’ party never had a majority. This means he's spent most of his presidency fighting with lawmakers.
He’s famous for his "pressers" where he calls out journalists and "traditional elites" by name. Some people love it; they think he’s finally being honest. Others think he’s attacking the very democracy that put him in power.
His approval rating has stayed surprisingly high—around 60% in late 2025. That’s almost unheard of for a lame-duck president in Latin America. Usually, by the fourth year, people are ready to kick the incumbent out of the door.
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A Quick Breakdown of the 2026 Election Cycle
- February 1, 2026: The first round of voting. If no one gets 40%, we go to a runoff.
- April 5, 2026: The likely date for a second-round runoff between the top two candidates.
- May 8, 2026: The day Rodrigo Chaves officially hands over the sash to whoever wins.
What's Next for the Presidency?
If you're following the news, watch Laura Fernández and Álvaro Ramos. Ramos is from the National Liberation Party (PLN), the "old guard" party that Chaves beat in 2022. It’s a classic battle between the new populist wave and the traditional establishment.
There’s also Ariel Robles, a younger, progressive candidate who’s pulling in the Gen Z and Millennial vote. He’s very critical of the current administration's environmental record, especially regarding logging permits in sensitive areas like Gandoca-Manzanillo.
Costa Rica is at a crossroads. Does it continue with the confrontational, populist style of Chaves, or does it return to the more diplomatic, consensus-based politics of the past?
Actionable Insights for Following Costa Rican Politics:
- Monitor the February 1st Results: Keep an eye on whether any candidate hits that 40% threshold. If not, the market and the social mood will be volatile until the April runoff.
- Watch Security Policy: Regardless of who wins, the next president will have to deal with the narco-trafficking crisis. This will likely mean more spending on police and technology.
- Check the Exchange Rate: The Costa Rican Colón has been weirdly strong lately. Political transitions often cause the currency to fluctuate, so if you're planning a trip or doing business there, watch the tipo de cambio.
- Follow Local News: If you want the real scoop, check out Semanario Universidad or La Nación. Just keep in mind that the current administration often clashes with these outlets, so it’s good to read a mix of sources to get the full picture.
Rodrigo Chaves remains the president of Costa Rica for now, but his shadow will loom large over the country long after he leaves office this coming May.