Costa Rican Congress Approves Extraordinary Budget Amidst Cuts and 'Propaganda' Funds

Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly has approved the First Extraordinary Budget of 2026, but the decision was contentious, passing with only the votes of the ruling Pueblo Soberano party (PPSO). Opposition parties rejected modifications proposed by the government, leading to a partisan split in the vote. The approved budget includes significant financial adjustments, notably imposing cuts on the National Children's Care System (Cen-Cinái) and the National Savings and Housing Bank (Banhvi). Conversely, the budget allocates resources described as 'propaganda' for the Zapote festival. The PPSO's ability to push the budget through without broader consensus highlights the current political dynamics in the country. The specific details of the 'propaganda' funding and the full impact of the cuts on Cen-Cinái and Banhvi are points of concern for the opposition. This budget approval marks a key legislative moment, reflecting the government's priorities and the challenges in achieving cross-party agreement.