Costa Rica judicial budget cut threatens investigations and victim services

The Costa Rican Ministry of Finance announced a budget reduction of ¢3.053 billion for the judicial branch in 2026, representing a 42 % cut to the operating budget and bringing the total reduction to ¢16.273 billion after the previously agreed ¢13.220 billion return. Judicial leaders warned that the shortfall will affect the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the Ministerio Público and other court services.

Executive Director Ana Eugenia Romero Jenkins described the situation as "very critical," while OIJ interim director Michael Soto said the cuts could start impacting fuel purchases, detainee transport, travel allowances for judicial agents and the progress of investigations into narcotics and organized crime as early as December. Fiscal General Carlo Díaz added that the Ministry Public will struggle to fund forensic reports, translations, indigenous language interpretation and victim assistance, potentially forcing families to cover costs. The Supreme Court President Orlando Aguirre warned that the reductions could force the suspension or rescheduling of trials and hearings, with further limitations on courtroom equipment, audiovisual systems and digital evidence analysis.

The judicial branch is preparing to bring the issue before the Supreme Court's Presidency and technical bodies to seek solutions, emphasizing the risk to the safety of victims, witnesses and the continuity of criminal investigations.