Interior Ministry Budget: Orsi responds to criticism
Interior Ministry Budget: President Yamandú Orsi defended the allocation of funds and responded to opposition questions about security, prisons, and campaign promises. The debate erupted in Parliament after Minister Carlos Negro presented the budget proposal, and sparked clashes between the ruling party and the opposition over the fulfillment of campaign promises.
Political debate on the Interior Ministry budget
During the session of the House committee studying the National Budget, several opposition legislators expressed their disagreement with the amount allocated to the Ministry of the Interior . One of the most critical was Colorado representative Gabriel Gurméndez, who accused the government of failing to fulfill its promise to hire 2,000 new police officers. According to the legislator, the recruitment of officers would not begin until 2026, which he described as "late and insufficient."
Gurméndez also questioned the budget's failure to include urgent measures to improve security in vulnerable areas, and warned that the lack of resources could affect police operations in the short term.
Gradual execution of the budget of the Ministry of the Interior
Asked by the press after participating in an official event, Orsi denied having made any concrete promises during the election campaign. "I committed to certain things, not specific promises," he stated. The president appreciated the opposition's concern about the prison situation and security, and maintained that this concern compels the government to be more firm and clear in its decisions.
"It's among the priorities. The ministers explain the timelines and stages. It's good that they're concerned, because it strengthens us institutionally," Orsi added, referring to the questions received.
Security and prisons within the budget of the Ministry of the Interior
The bill submitted by the Executive Branch provides for a US$140 million increase in the short term, and US$240 million by the end of the term. Of this total, 40% will be allocated to child and adolescent policies, while 15% will go directly to public safety. This includes the addition of personnel to the National Rehabilitation and the Ministry of the Interior, the creation of specialized prosecutor's offices, the installation of new surveillance cameras, and the use of electronic anklets.
Minister Negro details the execution
At a press conference, Interior Minister Carlos Negro assured that the government is fulfilling its commitment to strengthen the police force. "We are filling more than a thousand vacancies, which represents new police officers. In addition, 500 officers will be added to the National Rehabilitation Institute," he explained. Negro added that the remaining recruitment will be completed over the course of the five-year period, and that the incorporation process is aligned with the state's logistical capabilities.
He also highlighted that the Ministry of the Interior's budget includes improvements to prison infrastructure, staff training, and strengthening criminal investigation areas. Implementation will be gradual, but with clear goals for each stage of the period.
What's next in Parliament regarding the Interior Ministry budget?
The discussion over the Interior Ministry's budget revolves not only around figures, but also political priorities. While the opposition demands immediate results, the ruling party advocates a phased implementation that includes infrastructure, personnel, and technology . Meanwhile, citizens are closely watching how one of the country's most sensitive issues is being handled.
Social organizations have called for greater transparency in budget execution and warn of the need to strengthen institutional presence in peripheral neighborhoods. They also demand that prevention and rehabilitation policies be prioritized, beyond increased staffing.
The bill will continue to be analyzed in committee before moving to the plenary session. The Ministry of the Interior is expected to present supplementary reports on its planned implementation, and adjustments will be defined based on political negotiations. The opposition, for its part, announced that it will insist on modifying security-related items and will seek more concrete commitments regarding the hiring of new police officers.
