By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Safety (MSP) is facing criticism for proposed budget cuts in key areas for 2026, even as the nation grapples with escalating homicide rates and a pervasive sense of insecurity. The proposed budget, currently under review by the Legislative Assembly, reveals a reduction of almost ₡3 billion colones (approximately $5.5 million USD) in crucial operational areas.
While the overall MSP budget is slated to increase by ₡31 billion colones, primarily to fund 1,154 new positions, the cuts target essential resources. Funding for security and protective equipment, including tactical gear and operational tools, has been slashed by ₡1.176 billion colones. Alarmingly, no funds have been allocated for building maintenance and renovations, despite outstanding sanitary orders at numerous police stations. Last year, nearly ₡760 million colones were dedicated to these critical infrastructure needs.
To understand the legal and business implications of Costa Rica’s security budget, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The allocation of funds within Costa Rica’s security budget reflects a delicate balance between immediate needs, such as law enforcement and border security, and long-term investments in crime prevention and community development. Effective resource allocation necessitates careful consideration of the legal framework governing public spending, ensuring transparency and accountability while maximizing the impact on citizen safety and national stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the multifaceted nature of security spending, emphasizing the crucial interplay between immediate needs and long-term strategies. Indeed, a secure Costa Rica requires not only robust law enforcement but also proactive investments in community well-being and preventative measures. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable perspective on this complex issue.
Further cuts affect the maintenance and repair of existing transport equipment, reduced by ₡474 million colones. While ₡6 billion colones has been earmarked for new vehicles (130 pickup trucks and 260 motorcycles), concerns remain about the upkeep of the existing fleet. Food and beverage allocations have been reduced by ₡400 million colones, a concerning development given the planned increase in personnel. Similarly, the budget for textiles and clothing, essential for uniform and vest replacements, has been decreased by ₡160.8 million colones.
These reductions have sparked controversy among legislators, who argue that the budget creates a dangerous contradiction: more police officers without adequate equipment, training, or resources to effectively combat organized crime.
The increase in overall budget is largely attributed to the new personnel costs, including salaries, benefits, and social security contributions. This growth is further impacted by anticipated cost-of-living adjustments and changes to the overall salary structure.
Despite the announced budget increase, the MSP’s allocation remains under 3% of the national budget and less than 1% of the GDP, a concerning figure given the severity of the current security crisis, considered the worst in recent history.
Public Safety Minister Mario Zamora has defended the proposed budget, asserting that sufficient resources are available for uniforms, equipment, and training. He claims that infrastructure investments are being channeled through a separate loan program directed at municipalities.
The budget amount is very precise, here we are like the English. This budget is very specific.
Mario Zamora, Minister of Public Safety
However, critics remain skeptical, arguing that the cuts undermine the MSP’s ability to effectively address the ongoing security challenges facing Costa Rica. The proposed budget continues to be debated within the Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Public Safety
About Ministry of Public Safety:
The Ministry of Public Safety (MSP) in Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and combating crime throughout the country. The MSP oversees various law enforcement agencies, including the Fuerza Pública (national police force), and works to develop and implement security strategies to address the nation’s complex security challenges.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica
About Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the country’s unicameral national legislature. Composed of 57 deputies, the Assembly is responsible for enacting laws, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch. Deputies are elected by proportional representation for four-year terms and play a crucial role in shaping public policy in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical conduct and a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. The firm embraces innovative legal strategies while maintaining its dedication to providing accessible legal information and resources, ensuring clients and the wider community are equipped to navigate the legal landscape with confidence. This commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing reflects Bufete de Costa Rica’s core belief in fostering a more just and equitable society for all.
