Costa Rica Vice Minister sparks controversy over education budget and demographic priorities

Costa Rican Vice Minister of Expenditures, Luis Antonio Molina, has sparked controversy following remarks made during a hearing before the Treasury Affairs Commission. During a discussion regarding the 2027 National Budget, Molina stated that he is more concerned with the elderly than with children, citing demographic projections that suggest a significant increase in the elderly population by 2050 alongside a declining number of children.

The comments arose during questioning by Deputy Grethel Ávila regarding potential budget reductions for the Ministry of Public Education (MEP). The Ministry of Finance has proposed a 2027 budget for the MEP of ¢2,752,287.0 million, representing a decrease of ¢19,229.7 million, or approximately 0.7%, compared to the 2026 budget. Claudia Dobles has criticized these proposed cuts, advocating for continued investment in education.