The Constitutional Chamber in Costa Rica (Sala IV) gave, the evening of this Friday, November 23, its resolution regarding the fiscal reform project; the judges concluded, unanimously, that they did not find vices in the procedure or form of the project giving green light to Congress to vote it in second debate.

The resolution of the Constitutional Chamber provides the green light for the project to be voted in second debate and confirms that it does not require a minimum of 38 votes to be approved, instead it will only require the qualified majority of 29 votes for its approval.
The fiscal plan was approved in first debate by congress back in October 5 with 35 votes in favor; the project then was sent to the Constitutional Chamber for consultation.

Costa Rica’s Judiciary Branch voted in October 16 opposing the fiscal reform, arguing that it contains expense containment measures that affect the Judiciary Branch; according to Art.167 of the Constitution if the Judicial Branch considers that a project being discussed in Congress affects its organization and operation, the Legislative Assembly will then require 38 votes for its approval.

However, the judges of the Constitutional Chamber considered that the project will not affect the Judiciary Branch and therefore congress can proceed with its vote in second debate.

“We call on the members of congress, so this plan can be voted on second debate promptly. Costa Rica requires this project to begin a stage of hope, of economic and social stability and growth”, commented President Carlos Alvarado.

Congress could vote the project in the next couple of weeks prior to entering in recess December 20.

The discussion of this fiscal plan is being protested by labor unions in an ongoing strike that began September 10 and has already generated billions in losses.