Tarija Governor Questions Health Ministry Over Automatic Debit Attempts

Tarija Governor María René Soruco has voiced strong opposition to the Ministry of Health's intention to automatically debit 14 million Bolivian pesos (approximately $2 million) from the regional government for a vaccination bonus. Soruco stated that this move contradicts prior agreements between the central government and departmental authorities. These agreements were meant to reallocate financial obligations, particularly those related to student graduation certificates and other commitments historically shouldered by regional governments, back to the central state.

Soruco highlighted that a departmental review identified twenty legal provisions that, in her view, improperly transfer financial responsibilities from the central government to regional and municipal levels. She contends these laws have effectively weakened fiscal autonomy and led to the "confiscation" of over 100 million Bolivian pesos that could have been invested in the Tarija region over the past decade. "Autonomy cannot remain merely a political discourse; it must become the key to Tarija's development," Soruco asserted, emphasizing her desire to avoid requesting funds from the state while simultaneously having regional resources diverted to cover unrelated central government competencies.

To address these concerns, the governor announced plans to present a draft bill to the Tarija Parliamentary Brigade. This proposal will also be shared with other departmental and municipal governments nationwide, aiming to drive legislative reforms in 2027. Soruco believes revising these norms is crucial for strengthening fiscal autonomy, as outlined in agreements made in Sucre. The goal is to ensure that regional resources stay within their territories and are allocated to the most pressing local needs. Additionally, the Tarija government is working on rescheduling its debt with the National Development Fund and adjusting financial agreements to bolster its economic capacity to meet departmental demands.

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Autonomy cannot remain merely a political discourse; it must become the key to Tarija's development.