Legislator Rosibel Ramos, from the Christian Social Unity Party (PUSC), publicly denounced that the government intends to make a strong cut in public investment in 2018, in accordance with the draft national budget sent to the Legislative Assembly.
According to data provided, public investment would fall by 17.4%, more than ¢122 billion, instead of making cuts to other types of expenses.
Ramos pointed out that the Ministry of Housing would suffer a drastic cut of 26.8% compared to the budget for 2017. It would be followed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), whose expenses would be reduced by 16.47%.
The Social-Christian also expressed doubts about the figure that the Government provided as a percentage increase (3.2%) for next year’s budget.
In this regard, she criticized that the Executive wants to increase spending for the Judiciary and Legislative Assembly, as well as the opening of more than four thousand positions for the ministries of Public Security and Public Education.
Ramos also questioned the attempt to raise interest payments on the public debt by 26.4% , without the Minister of Finance, Helio Fallas, having renegotiated.
The legislator added that, on the other hand, the Government wants to cut around ¢ 15 billion to the National Board of Children (PANI), despite the fact that last year they defended more resources for that institution.
The budget proposal submitted by the Executive Power to Congress is ¢9.3 trillion.
After it has been ruled by the Commission of the Treasurers, it shall be submitted for discussion and voting to the Legislative Plenary no later than November 30th.