Plans for Costa Rica's new Legislative Assembly building, a 17-story concrete tower, have come under harsh criticism from residents and local architects.
Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly will not discuss any bills to create or increase taxes for the rest of the year, Presidency Minister Sergio Alfaro Salas announced Monday evening, following a meeting with lawmakers from several parties.
The votes of a majority of lawmakers from opposition parties on Thursday evening granted the government of President Luis Guillermo Solís the approval of its budget proposal for next year without any cuts and amid any incidents at the Legislative Assembly.
A legislative commission has approved two draft bills to fight the sexualization of minors and expand benefits to parents of children with severe health conditions.
Presidency Minister Sergio Alfaro Salas told reporters that Casa Presidencial will focus its strategy on building consensus on bills that could be passed, but the ambitious agenda will have to contend with a recalcitrant legislature that has shown little interest cooperating with President Luis Guillermo Solís.
In the wake of several tragic boat accidents this year, government officials and environmental groups are pointing blame at the Legislative Assembly for failing to pass a bill designed to increase maritime safety and hold ship captains accountable for reckless behavior.
Lawmakers from the ruling Citizen Action Party (PAC) and administration officials will have to step up their negotiating skills over the next year if they hope to pass their legislative agenda.
