Tarija Governor contests Ministry of Health's automatic debit plan

The Governor of Tarija, María René Soruco, has expressed concern regarding a proposal from the Ministry of Health to implement automatic debits from departmental resources. The Ministry intends to collect approximately Bs 14 million to cover obligations related to vaccination bonuses.

Soruco argues that this measure contradicts agreements made during a meeting in Sucre on August 5 between national and departmental authorities. She maintains that these financial commitments should be respected to protect the department's fiscal autonomy. Additionally, the Governor's administration has identified 20 laws that they claim transfer financial obligations from the central government to local departments and municipalities, which they estimate has resulted in the loss of over Bs 100 million in potential investment over the last decade.

In response, the Tarija administration plans to present a draft law to the Parliamentary Brigade of Tarija to seek legislative reforms aimed at strengthening regional autonomy.