The President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, stated that "the communist model has failed in Cuba" while announcing the closure of the Costa Rican embassy in Havana and demanding the Cuban regime withdraw its accredited diplomatic personnel in San José, in a decision that the Costa Rican Government presented as a response to the deterioration of human rights, repression, and living conditions on the Island.
The measure was presented alongside Chancellor Arnoldo André. The Costa Rican embassy in Havana has not had diplomatic personnel since February 5.
André explained that the closure constitutes "a strong signal of concern" and an invitation for “significant changes” that would allow for the future restoration of the necessary conditions for a potential full normalization of diplomatic relations.
In that same announcement, the foreign minister stated that Costa Rica requested the Cuban government to proceed "reciprocally" with the withdrawal of its diplomatic personnel accredited in Costa Rican territory, leaving only its consular representation to assist Cuban citizens residing in the Central American country.
André stated that this request is made in accordance with international practices governing relations between states and added that Costa Rica will continue to closely monitor the evolution of the situation in Cuba.
After the chancellor's intervention, Chaves intensified his tone and was explicit in questioning the legitimacy of the Cuban political system.
“I will only say today that the government of Costa Rica recognizes the legitimacy of the communist regime in Cuba in light of the mistreatment, repression, and inhumane conditions faced by the inhabitants of that beautiful island. We do not recognize the legitimacy of that government,” he said, according to the transcript included in the file.
He also requested Havana to withdraw its diplomats and added that if they want to leave consular officials in Costa Rica, "welcome."
The Costa Rican leader linked his stance to a historical critique of the external support for the Cuban regime.
He stated that since 1959 "the regime has parasitized other countries to mediate for its people," and he recalled that after the fall of the Soviet bloc and the Iron Curtain in Eastern Europe, the Cuban people went through the Special Period "where there was enormous suffering."
He then added that Cuba relied on Venezuela and its oil, referring to another phase of external dependence.
It was in this context that Chaves launched the central phrase of the announcement: “And today, they must recognize that the communist model has failed in Cuba, just as it has failed in all the places where it has been established. Only the freedom of the human being can lead to progress.”
The statement placed Costa Rica's diplomatic decision not only in the realm of human rights but also in an open challenge to the current political and economic system on the Island.
Systemic Cuban Crisis Under Scrutiny
San José justified the measure by citing "the sustained deterioration of the human rights situation on the island," which has worsened in recent months due to repression, blackouts, and widespread shortages.
André reported an increase in the persecution of activists, opponents, and citizens who criticize the government, as well as restrictions on fundamental freedoms such as expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
In addition, living conditions in Cuba continue to deteriorate, with shortages of food, medicine, and basic services.
In that regard, the closure of the embassy was presented by Costa Rica as a way to send a clear political message about the need to respect fundamental rights, while also expressing solidarity with the Cuban people.
The decision effectively entails a diplomatic break. Costa Rica will not maintain direct consular representation in Cuban territory, and assistance to its citizens will be handled from Panama.
It is also noted that the measure was discussed with the elected president, Laura Fernández Delgado, who supported it.
Chaves acknowledged that the decision will provoke criticism. "We will be heavily attacked from outside," he warned, before linking that pressure to sectors that, according to him, also oppose strengthening security cooperation with the United States.
Nonetheless, he defended the action taken by his government as a necessary response to what he described as an extreme and unacceptable situation in Cuba.
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