Legislators raise concerns over 2027 budget allocations for social services

Lawmakers in Chile and Costa Rica have raised alarms regarding proposed 2027 budget allocations, citing potential risks to healthcare, disability services, and environmental protections.

In Chile, Deputy Gustavo Gatica submitted 53 indications to the 2027 Budget Law. His proposals focus on health, disability, and the environment. Specifically, Gatica highlighted concerns regarding mental health resources, high-cost treatments, and the funding of regional hospitals. He also called for increased transparency in environmental spending and the protection of funds intended for the implementation of the Escazú Agreement.

In Costa Rica, Deputy Ángela Aguilar Vargas warned that the 2027 Ordinary Budget could exacerbate state debt to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). Aguilar noted that the Ministry of Finance allocated 1.16 trillion colones to the CCSS, which is approximately 73.5 percent of the 1.57 trillion colones requested by the institution. This shortfall, totaling 418.194 billion colones, could impact medical care and pensions, including the Non-Contributory Regime intended for elderly citizens in poverty.