With 48 votes in favor, the legislators approved in second reading the ordinary budget of the Republic for the fiscal year 2019, for 10.9 billion colones.
This spending plan was processed under the file 20,964 of the ordinary and extraordinary budget.
Last week, the first reading was held, with the support of 40 legislators and the rejection of eight, seven of which were the legislators who declared themselves independent in October, in addition to Dragos Dolanescu, from the Republican Social Christian Party (PRSC).
Jonathan Prendas, spokesperson of the separate group, announced the vote in favor of the proposal, therefore, they changed their position in a week.
Prendas justified that previously they opposed the methodology but in this second reading, they recognized the hard work of the Treasury Commission, without distinction of fraction, so they voted in favor.
That was the Commission that approved cuts for almost 13 billion colones, from the Special Fund for Special Education (FEES).
Likewise, the budget for the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) was reduced for possible popular consultations, as well as the Judicial Branch for the purchase of vehicles. These monies were transferred for the amortization of debt; therefore, the initial amount requested by the government was not changed.
On August 31st, the Minister of Finance Rocío Aguilar presented the proposal to the Legislative Assembly, where she highlighted that 53.5% will be covered with debt, which represents an increase of 9% compared to 2017. This means that, ₡ 5.9 billion will be covered by loans.