Costa Rican judiciary fights $45 million budget cut, warns of impact on crime investigations

Costa Rica's judiciary is mobilizing to block a significant budget cut, initiating legal and administrative actions to prevent the proposed reduction of ¢23.722 billion ($45 million). The judiciary argues that such a deep cut would severely compromise its ability to function effectively.

Magistrates have voiced strong criticism of President Rodrigo Chaves's order for the budget reduction. They contend that the financial constraints will directly impede crucial efforts in investigating and prosecuting criminal activities. This stance highlights a major point of contention between the executive and judicial branches over resource allocation.

In response, the judiciary is seeking a united front, calling for joint action with opposition lawmakers. This proposed collaboration aims to build a stronger case against the budget cut and protect the judicial branch's operational capacity. The move signals a significant political standoff over the funding of justice in Costa Rica.