SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — On Monday, Costa Rica honored El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele with its top diplomatic accolade in recognition of his achievements in reducing violence through an extensive campaign aimed at combating powerful street gangs that has lasted for over two years.
President Rodrigo Chaves praised Bukele’s successful efforts, particularly in light of Costa Rica’s ongoing struggles with unprecedented homicide rates. However, the decision to honor Bukele has sparked controversy in a nation that has long been recognized as Central America’s most stable democracy.
Bukele’s accomplishments in tackling violence partly stem from the suspension of several constitutional rights, which has allowed security forces and prosecutors enhanced powers to chase down suspects, often bypassing due process. Nevertheless, voters in El Salvador rewarded Bukele with an unprecedented second term earlier this year, and his approval ratings remain exceptionally high.
In contrast, Chaves does not enjoy a congressional majority and has not undertaken an overhaul of Costa Rica’s judiciary to suppress dissenting voices. Chaves has humorously floated the idea of stepping down from the presidency just to run for a congressional seat with plans of returning to the presidential race later, as consecutive presidential terms are not permitted in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, which has earned accolades for its thriving ecotourism, environmental stewardship, and historic peace, has faced increasing violence recently, predominantly linked to drug trafficking. The nation has become a crucial transit point for cocaine being exported to North America and Europe.
Last year marked a grim milestone for Costa Rica as it recorded 906 homicides, a stark rise from 654 in 2022. And while data indicates that this year’s figures are only marginally lower than last year’s, the government remains concerned. On Tuesday, Bukele and Chaves are expected to tour one of Costa Rica’s largest correctional facilities.
“The salvation of El Salvador from these vicious gangs is also contributing to peace in our region,” Chaves stated after presenting Bukele with the National Order of Juan Mora Fernández, named in honor of the country’s founding president. “Combating organized crime in any part of Central America is a necessary effort. It is vital to diminish the reach and influence of gangs, which serve as a negative example.”
Chaves, a conservative economist who campaigned as an outsider in 2022, previously served as finance minister under outgoing President Carlos Alvarado. Although he has maintained a robust approval rating, he aspires for a legislative majority like the one Bukele benefited from due to his early popularity.
“President Bukele recognizes what I’ve reiterated thousands of times in this country: for democracy to be meaningful, it must deliver tangible results to society and not be supplanted by any political regime that we Costa Ricans do not wish to see,” Chaves expressed.
Responding to criticism of his methods, Bukele reiterated his stance that ensuring the right to life must precede the safeguarding of other rights, as violence must first be addressed before any rights can be effectively guaranteed.
“All other rights mean nothing if there’s no right to life. They become irrelevant. There’s no right to free movement if I’m dead,” Bukele remarked. “Thus, the government must guarantee the citizens’ right to life, and to do this effectively, it must confront crime. There is no alternative.”