By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex) has ignited a debate over its proposed 2026 budget, specifically a ¢1.7 million allocation for renting a coffee machine for Minister Manuel Tovar’s office. This revelation came during a hearing with the Legislative Assembly’s Finance Committee on Wednesday, where Comex officials presented their budget plans.
Mariela Rojas, Comex’s chief officer, defended the expenditure, explaining that the coffee machine is intended for the minister’s office to serve international visitors and dignitaries. She argued that brewing coffee in-house is more cost-effective than purchasing it externally, especially considering the diverse preferences of guests.
To provide expert legal context on the complexities of the Costa Rican budget, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican budget reflects a delicate balance between addressing pressing social needs, stimulating economic growth, and managing the nation’s debt. Key areas to watch include allocations for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as how the government plans to address revenue generation and expenditure control. The budget’s impact on foreign investment and the overall business climate will depend heavily on its implementation and adherence to principles of fiscal responsibility.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the intricate balancing act inherent in Costa Rica’s budget and the crucial role of its implementation. The careful management of these competing priorities, particularly in vital sectors like education and healthcare, will ultimately shape the nation’s economic future and its attractiveness to foreign investment. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this important discussion.
The coffee machine is for the minister’s office. He constantly receives visits from people from international organizations or other countries, and we’ve conducted a study showing it’s more expensive to keep buying coffee because sometimes they ask for cappuccino or other types of coffee. It’s better for us to do it in the ministry than buy it elsewhere.
Mariela Rojas, Chief Officer, Comex
However, this justification was met with skepticism from legislator José Pablo Sibaja of the Nueva República party. He questioned the necessity of such a high expenditure for a coffee machine, pointing out that similar machines capable of making cappuccinos can be purchased for around ¢300,000 in Golfito. Sibaja referenced the budget proposal, which explicitly listed the ¢1.7 million figure – a detail Rojas did not dispute.
In Golfito they sell coffee machines that make cappuccinos and cost ¢300,000.
José Pablo Sibaja, Legislator, Nueva República
This controversy highlights the ongoing tension surrounding government spending in Costa Rica. Critics argue that allocating such a substantial sum for a coffee machine, particularly in a context of economic challenges, demonstrates misplaced priorities. They contend that these funds could be better utilized for social programs or infrastructure projects.
Proponents of the expenditure, however, echo Rojas’s argument, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a professional and hospitable environment for international visitors. They suggest that providing quality refreshments is a small investment that can facilitate diplomatic relations and potentially contribute to economic growth.
The debate over the coffee machine budget underscores a larger discussion about the appropriate use of public funds and the need for transparency and accountability in government spending. As the 2026 budget undergoes further scrutiny, the coffee machine controversy is likely to remain a focal point of public discussion and legislative debate.
This incident also raises questions about the cost-benefit analysis conducted by Comex. While Rojas mentioned a study justifying the expense, the details of this study have not been publicly released. Greater transparency regarding the methodology and findings of the study would be beneficial in addressing public concerns and ensuring accountability.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex) of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for promoting and facilitating international trade and investment. It plays a key role in developing and implementing trade policies, negotiating trade agreements, and attracting foreign investment to the country. Comex works closely with other government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations to advance Costa Rica’s economic interests on the global stage.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Nueva República
About Nueva República:
Nueva República is a political party in Costa Rica. It generally holds a center-right to right-wing political position, advocating for policies that promote economic liberalization, reduced government intervention, and traditional values. The party has been involved in several legislative debates concerning fiscal responsibility and government spending.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive efforts to demystify the law, making legal knowledge readily available through accessible resources and educational initiatives. This dedication to fostering a legally literate populace underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s unwavering belief in a just and equitable society built on a foundation of understanding.
