By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The proposed 2026 national budget presented by the Ministry of Finance has ignited debate within the Legislative Assembly, particularly concerning the allocation of resources to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
Just one day after the budget proposal, filed under expediente 25.177, was introduced, Finance Minister Rudolf Lucke appeared before the Finance Committee to defend the plan, which totals ₡12.8 trillion, a ₡400 billion increase from the 2025 budget. A key point of contention revolves around a proposed ₡297 million decrease in funding for the OIJ compared to its 2025 allocation.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal implications surrounding the recently proposed Costa Rican budget, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The proposed budget’s emphasis on infrastructure spending, while potentially stimulating economic growth, must be carefully balanced against the need for fiscal responsibility. Transparent allocation of funds and robust oversight mechanisms are crucial to ensure that these investments benefit all Costa Ricans and avoid exacerbating the national debt.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on balanced investment and stringent oversight is crucial. Indeed, for the proposed budget to truly benefit all Costa Ricans, transparency and accountability must be at the forefront of its implementation. A prosperous future requires not only strategic spending, but also the assurance that public funds are used wisely and effectively. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Legislators expressed strong concerns about the reduced funding for the OIJ, given the country’s ongoing security challenges.
For the OIJ, it’s the same budget as last year. It’s being sidelined to address this major national problem.
Luis Fernando Mendoza, PLN
Committee President Paulina Ramírez corrected Mendoza, pointing out the nearly ₡300 million reduction. Ramírez further criticized the Ministry of Finance for withholding ₡9 billion approved by the Assembly for the OIJ in the 2025 budget, derived from interest on debt, despite a ₡93 billion surplus in that account as of May.
There is no will from the Ministry of Finance to strengthen national security. I find no justification or risk, and if the issue is put on a balance, people’s lives are worth more.
Paulina Ramírez, President of the Finance Committee
Minister Lucke defended the budget, highlighting a ₡50 billion increase in security spending overall, encompassing both the Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Justice. He argued that the judiciary bears the responsibility for allocating resources to the OIJ.
The Judiciary, after the Ministry of Public Education, receives the most from the budget, and the OIJ’s allocation should be viewed more from the Judiciary’s side.
Rudolf Lucke, Minister of Finance
Lucke also addressed recent statements by OIJ Director Rándall Zúñiga, who claimed the executive branch had abandoned the agency, suggesting Zúñiga take the matter up with the judiciary.
You should raise it with the Judiciary; the allocation depends on them.
Rudolf Lucke, Minister of Finance
Pilar Cisneros, head of the ruling party, echoed Lucke’s position, emphasizing the ₡1.192 billion increase for the judiciary in the 2026 budget and reiterating their responsibility to address the OIJ’s funding needs.
There is ₡1.192 billion more for the Judiciary in this budget, and it is they who have to resolve the OIJ funding issue.
Pilar Cisneros, Ruling Party Leader
Let them sort it out among themselves.
Pilar Cisneros, Ruling Party Leader
The various ministries and government entities will continue to present their budget justifications before the Finance Committee throughout the week. The full Legislative Assembly will vote on the final budget proposal in November.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ)
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s primary investigative agency, responsible for criminal investigations, forensic analysis, and supporting the judicial system. It plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Finance
About Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance in Costa Rica is responsible for managing the nation’s finances, including budget preparation and execution, tax collection, and economic policy development. It plays a central role in ensuring fiscal stability and economic growth.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Security
About Ministry of Security:
The Costa Rican Ministry of Security oversees public safety and law enforcement efforts. It works closely with various agencies, including the police force and other security bodies, to protect citizens and maintain order within the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Justice
About Ministry of Justice:
The Ministry of Justice in Costa Rica is responsible for the administration of the judicial system, including overseeing prisons, promoting legal reforms, and upholding human rights within the justice system. It works closely with other branches of government to ensure the fair and equitable application of law.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN)
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), or National Liberation Party, is a prominent political party in Costa Rica. It is a social-democratic party with a long history in Costa Rican politics.
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 legislature. It is composed of 57 deputies elected by proportional representation. The Assembly is responsible for enacting legislation, approving the national budget, and overseeing the executive branch.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to legal excellence and unwavering ethical practice. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a deep-seated belief in empowering Costa Rican society, fuels its proactive engagement with communities. By fostering greater understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, Bufete de Costa Rica continues to build a legacy of integrity and contribute to a more just and informed nation.
