Resignation of Sinart Head Shakes Chaves Administration Amid Unmet Goals
Fernando Sandí Chacón steps down as CEO of the National Radio and Television System, marking a tumultuous period for President Rodrigo Chaves's government.
On May 7, 2025, the Costa Rican government experienced another significant leadership change as Fernando Sandí Chacón resigned from his position as president of the National Radio and Television System (Sinart).
Sandí announced his decision in a letter directed to President Rodrigo Chaves, citing personal and professional reasons for his departure.
Reportedly, Sandí emphasized that his resignation was not due to any loss of confidence in the capabilities of Sinart or in President Chaves's vision for the country.
Sandí had led Sinart since March 2023, assuming the role after his predecessor, Allan Trigueros, stepped down due to health issues.
Sandí's leadership tenure was marked by controversy, particularly with union demands for his resignation stemming from proposed restructuring plans they claimed would lead to significant layoffs.
His administration was tasked with advancing the institutional rescue efforts initiated under Chaves's leadership.
As President Chaves enters the final year of his term, he faces scrutiny over his administration’s performance, having reportedly failed to fulfill 18 of the 35 key commitments made since taking office.
Recent analyses highlighted that one third of Costa Rican adults could not identify a single achievement of Chaves’s government, with notable exceptions comprising strategies against corruption and improvements in road infrastructure.
The latest consumer price index indicated a sharp increase in the cost of living, with food prices rising by 11.3% since Chaves's inauguration.
Specific promises regarding basic goods have not materialized as hoped.
The price of rice, which was a focal point of Chaves's policy discussions, increased by 7.5% since the removal of price controls in 2022.
Additionally, despite efforts to lower the cost of medications through a pivotal decree, the Constitutional Court struck down this initiative, resulting in a notable increase in medication prices by 5.5% since mid-2022.
Unemployment statistics present a mixed picture; the unemployment rate was reported at 7.4%, reflecting a decrease since July 2024. However, this reduction coincided with a rise in the population of working-age individuals who have opted to withdraw from the labor market, complicating the administration’s employment narrative.
On financial matters, public debt ratio dropped below 60% of GDP in 2024, but the absolute figures in terms of national debt continued to rise.
The deficit situation worsened in the same year—recording a financial deficit of 3.8% of GDP, a significant decline from previous years.
While the government successfully completed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund concerning fiscal and legal reforms, several key infrastructure projects promised by Chaves have seen limited progress, including the controversial Ciudad Gobierno project, which has been stalled.
In the latest turn of events, President Chaves has also attempted to navigate legislative challenges.
His government issued a decree on an agenda of proposed laws, including the stalling of a much-debated initiative for low-cost flights throughout Central America, which had drawn criticism for potentially undermining local tourism.
As the political landscape in Costa Rica evolves, the resignation of Sandí signifies a broader context of difficulties faced by the Chaves administration in achieving its stated objectives and maintaining stability within its ranks.
Sandí announced his decision in a letter directed to President Rodrigo Chaves, citing personal and professional reasons for his departure.
Reportedly, Sandí emphasized that his resignation was not due to any loss of confidence in the capabilities of Sinart or in President Chaves's vision for the country.
Sandí had led Sinart since March 2023, assuming the role after his predecessor, Allan Trigueros, stepped down due to health issues.
Sandí's leadership tenure was marked by controversy, particularly with union demands for his resignation stemming from proposed restructuring plans they claimed would lead to significant layoffs.
His administration was tasked with advancing the institutional rescue efforts initiated under Chaves's leadership.
As President Chaves enters the final year of his term, he faces scrutiny over his administration’s performance, having reportedly failed to fulfill 18 of the 35 key commitments made since taking office.
Recent analyses highlighted that one third of Costa Rican adults could not identify a single achievement of Chaves’s government, with notable exceptions comprising strategies against corruption and improvements in road infrastructure.
The latest consumer price index indicated a sharp increase in the cost of living, with food prices rising by 11.3% since Chaves's inauguration.
Specific promises regarding basic goods have not materialized as hoped.
The price of rice, which was a focal point of Chaves's policy discussions, increased by 7.5% since the removal of price controls in 2022.
Additionally, despite efforts to lower the cost of medications through a pivotal decree, the Constitutional Court struck down this initiative, resulting in a notable increase in medication prices by 5.5% since mid-2022.
Unemployment statistics present a mixed picture; the unemployment rate was reported at 7.4%, reflecting a decrease since July 2024. However, this reduction coincided with a rise in the population of working-age individuals who have opted to withdraw from the labor market, complicating the administration’s employment narrative.
On financial matters, public debt ratio dropped below 60% of GDP in 2024, but the absolute figures in terms of national debt continued to rise.
The deficit situation worsened in the same year—recording a financial deficit of 3.8% of GDP, a significant decline from previous years.
While the government successfully completed an agreement with the International Monetary Fund concerning fiscal and legal reforms, several key infrastructure projects promised by Chaves have seen limited progress, including the controversial Ciudad Gobierno project, which has been stalled.
In the latest turn of events, President Chaves has also attempted to navigate legislative challenges.
His government issued a decree on an agenda of proposed laws, including the stalling of a much-debated initiative for low-cost flights throughout Central America, which had drawn criticism for potentially undermining local tourism.
As the political landscape in Costa Rica evolves, the resignation of Sandí signifies a broader context of difficulties faced by the Chaves administration in achieving its stated objectives and maintaining stability within its ranks.
