Costa Rica President Laura Fernández defends education budget distribution

Costa Rican President Laura Fernández has defended her administration's approach to education funding, asserting that her government is an ally to higher education despite ongoing student protests and budget disputes.

Addressing concerns regarding the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES), Fernández stated that the current budget complies with constitutional requirements. She noted that the government must adjust public spending due to declining state revenues and emphasized that she will not increase national debt to maintain spending levels.

During an event in Liberia, Fernández criticized the historical distribution of resources, arguing that certain sectors have received disproportionate funding. She contrasted the condition of university facilities with the deteriorating state of public primary schools, stating that the administration aims for a more equitable distribution to prioritize children's education over what she described as luxury salaries and special pension regimes in other sectors.