Pilar Cisneros Denies Altercation Between President Rodrigo Chaves and Producer Christian Bulgarelli
Cisneros claims that President Chaves did not physically confront Bulgarelli during an incident at a restaurant in San José.
Pilar Cisneros, the head of the legislative faction of the ruling Progressive Social Democratic Party (PPSD), has denied allegations that President Rodrigo Chaves physically attacked audiovisual producer Christian Bulgarelli during an incident in a restaurant in San José on March 21. Videos released on Monday by local media show footage of the confrontation.
Bulgarelli is a key witness in an ongoing investigation involving President Chaves concerning potential corruption related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds from a substantial contract financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE).
In a video statement addressed to the media, Cisneros remarked, "At no time did the president even lay a finger on Christian Bulgarelli.
Nothing, zero." She acknowledged that an exchange of words occurred but stated that she did not hear the specifics of the conversation between Chaves and Bulgarelli.
Cisneros explained that during the incident, she approached the president to separate him from the discussion, stating, "I pulled him by the arm, and we went to have lunch peacefully." She described Chaves' conduct as "absolutely conciliatory," asserting that "nothing at all happened."
The altercation reportedly took place after Chaves, accompanied by Cisneros and three bodyguards, entered the Italian restaurant Sapore Trattoria, located in the central area of San José.
At the time, Bulgarelli was dining there with his pregnant wife and parents.
Upon noticing Bulgarelli's presence, Chaves reportedly turned toward him and made an audible comment while pointing, leading to a face-to-face situation between the two men.
A separate video, lasting 26 seconds and recorded by one of Bulgarelli's companions, captures Chaves saying, "I don’t know what is going on with this gentleman.
Stay calm, my friend, stay calm.
No, no, no, leave this gentleman sitting there (indicating to one of his bodyguards).
If you have a problem, come to me; I have no issues with anyone."
Following this interaction, Chaves continued into the restaurant, accompanied by Cisneros and a bodyguard, while another of his security personnel remained close to Bulgarelli's table.
The audiovisual materials are part of case file No. 25-000019-0033-PE, which is being pursued against President Chaves and Minister of Culture Jorge Rodríguez Vives for the alleged crime of concusión, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to eight years.
Bulgarelli is a key witness in an ongoing investigation involving President Chaves concerning potential corruption related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds from a substantial contract financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE).
In a video statement addressed to the media, Cisneros remarked, "At no time did the president even lay a finger on Christian Bulgarelli.
Nothing, zero." She acknowledged that an exchange of words occurred but stated that she did not hear the specifics of the conversation between Chaves and Bulgarelli.
Cisneros explained that during the incident, she approached the president to separate him from the discussion, stating, "I pulled him by the arm, and we went to have lunch peacefully." She described Chaves' conduct as "absolutely conciliatory," asserting that "nothing at all happened."
The altercation reportedly took place after Chaves, accompanied by Cisneros and three bodyguards, entered the Italian restaurant Sapore Trattoria, located in the central area of San José.
At the time, Bulgarelli was dining there with his pregnant wife and parents.
Upon noticing Bulgarelli's presence, Chaves reportedly turned toward him and made an audible comment while pointing, leading to a face-to-face situation between the two men.
A separate video, lasting 26 seconds and recorded by one of Bulgarelli's companions, captures Chaves saying, "I don’t know what is going on with this gentleman.
Stay calm, my friend, stay calm.
No, no, no, leave this gentleman sitting there (indicating to one of his bodyguards).
If you have a problem, come to me; I have no issues with anyone."
Following this interaction, Chaves continued into the restaurant, accompanied by Cisneros and a bodyguard, while another of his security personnel remained close to Bulgarelli's table.
The audiovisual materials are part of case file No. 25-000019-0033-PE, which is being pursued against President Chaves and Minister of Culture Jorge Rodríguez Vives for the alleged crime of concusión, which carries a potential prison sentence of up to eight years.
