Cutting OIJ Resources Amid Successes Is a Grave Error

Costa Rica faces a significant reduction in funding for its key judicial bodies, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) and the Public Ministry. While Congress initially approved ¢9.3 billion for these institutions in 2025, only ¢3 billion was disbursed. The situation is set to worsen in 2026, with an announced cut of ¢8.687 billion that was to be funded by budget underspending.

This decision is being met with strong criticism, particularly from columnist Nuria Marín Raventós. She argues that slashing resources precisely when the OIJ and Public Ministry are beginning to demonstrate tangible results against rising citizen insecurity is a "grave error." The cuts, she contends, directly undermine national security efforts.

Raventós, a lawyer and businesswoman, highlights the irony of reducing funding for institutions that are showing progress. The article implies that this move by Congress could be perceived as "petty" given the achievements of the judicial power and the stakes involved in public safety.