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Reunión Jefaturas de Fracción, 12 febrero 2026
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Reunión Jefaturas de Fracción, 12 febrero 2026

Introduction and Welcome

Opening Remarks

  • The session begins with a welcome to Deputy Larios, representing Deputy Izquierdo, and Deputy Ellie Fainzen, representing Chief of Fraction Don Gilberto Campus.
  • A note is made regarding the upcoming election of five substitute magistrates for the Third Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice following their swearing-in ceremony.

Legislative Proposals Under Discussion

Proposed Reforms

  • Two motions are introduced concerning legislative deadlines:
  • File 22.898: Reforming the figure of regulated forfeiture in Articles 103 and 110 of the Penal Code, originally established on November 15, 1970. Deadline set for February 14, 2026.
  • File 2899: Addressing comprehensive care for individuals with problematic substance use and establishing proportional penalties under drug laws. This motion will also be discussed today.

Urgency in Legislative Decisions

Regulatory Observations

  • A deputy emphasizes that decisions must be documented as they were not included in the approved plenary agenda due to regulatory obligations; thus, these motions need immediate attention to avoid expiration.
  • Technical justifications are provided for prioritizing certain legislative aspects during discussions today.

Upcoming Meetings and International Delegation

IMF Delegation Visit

  • Notification about an upcoming visit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation scheduled for March 5th; arrangements are requested from fraction leaders to reserve this date for meetings in the State Chief's hall.

Ministerial Request

  • The Assembly presidency has received a request from Minister Mario Zamora to address critical issues facing Cruzitas before the plenary assembly, aligning with Article 145 of the Political Constitution regarding public safety matters. Discussions on scheduling this meeting are initiated among deputies.

Discussion on Ministerial Hearing Format

Proposal for Interpellation Mechanism

  • Deputies express agreement on receiving Minister Zamora and suggest utilizing a structured interpellation format where each faction can ask questions after his presentation to ensure thorough discussion on pressing security concerns affecting communities like Cruzitas. Suggestions include allowing time for debate post-presentation as well as ensuring all factions have input opportunities during this session.

Scheduling Considerations

  • There is no specific date proposed yet; however, some deputies suggest considering Thursday, February 19th as a potential date while discussing logistical implications such as commission functions being affected by this arrangement.

Conclusion

The session highlights significant legislative proposals under consideration along with urgent discussions surrounding public safety issues led by key government officials aimed at addressing community concerns effectively through structured dialogue within parliamentary procedures.

Discussion on Scheduling and Agenda Management

Concerns Over Time Management

  • The speaker expresses concern about the plenary's ability to address projects related to "crucitas," suggesting that a report format would be more efficient given time constraints.
  • Emphasizes the need for better resource management during plenaries, proposing meetings on Thursdays at 2 PM to avoid conflicts with other commissions.

Proposal for Meeting Adjustments

  • Acknowledges agreement on receiving the minister earlier in order to discuss additional matters, advocating for a structured debate if questions arise.
  • Suggests that urgency from Minister Zamora warrants a Tuesday meeting instead of Thursday, highlighting the importance of allowing deputies to ask questions after his report.

Importance of Interaction

  • Stresses that interaction with the minister is crucial, opposing a rigid debate format that limits dialogue and questioning among deputies.
  • Reiterates the necessity for an interactive session rather than a one-sided discourse, noting that even official factions are not requesting this space for questions.

Scheduling Conflicts and Suggestions

  • Proposes Monday as an alternative day since it does not conflict with commission schedules, allowing for urgent matters to be addressed without hindrance.
  • Highlights potential scheduling issues on Tuesdays due to existing commitments like agricultural discussions, advocating again for Monday meetings.

Finalizing Meeting Details

  • Discusses setting a specific date (Monday 16th at 2 PM), indicating plans for regulated debates while ensuring ample time is allocated for project discussions.
  • Questions whether political control will be maintained during this session; suggests removing it if necessary to focus solely on project agendas.

Control Political Discussion

  • Recommends eliminating political control from the agenda of that day while still leaving room for discussing projects if time permits.
  • Calls attention to various routes being considered regarding how best to manage discussions around political control and project agendas moving forward.

Discussion on Legislative Proposals and Agenda Organization

Proposal for Sensor Legislation

  • Discussion initiated regarding the agreement on sensor legislation, with a focus on whether Deputy Alvarado has expressed support.
  • Deputy Peinzang suggests that the proposal should be discussed in a session scheduled for Monday, emphasizing the need to eliminate political control.

Concerns Over Delays in Legislative Process

  • Acknowledgment of existing delays due to a large list of pending items; there is a call to maintain this list to avoid further postponements.
  • Emphasis on the importance of managing time effectively as different days are assigned to various project lists.

Organizing the Agenda

  • The advisor prepares a motion for discussion regarding agenda organization, indicating readiness to move forward with planning.
  • Questions arise about how long the arranged debate will last and who will define this duration—whether it will be determined by advisors or within the meeting itself.

Time Allocation for Minister's Presentation

  • Suggestion made that discussions with the minister are necessary to determine how much time he requires for his presentation.
  • There is an agreement that it would be preferable for them to set this time based on their experiences from previous situations.

Finalizing Agenda Items

  • Clarification sought about which projects remain on the agenda, particularly those related to motions of reiteration.
  • Deputy Larios mentions that she consulted with the minister, who suggested 20–25 minutes would suffice for his presentation.

Order of Projects Discussion

  • Inquiry into how projects should be ordered during discussions; suggestions include organizing by number of motions from least to most.
  • Various deputies express their opinions on ordering projects based on emotional counts, aiming for efficiency in advancing legislative items.

Consensus Building Among Deputies

  • A consensus emerges among deputies favoring an order based on fewer motions first, allowing quicker progress through simpler items.
  • Some deputies express concerns about ensuring fairness while also advocating for efficient processing of less complex proposals.

Agreement Reached on Project Order

  • Agreement reached among several deputies regarding ordering projects from least to most motions while respecting established procedures.
  • A request is made by Deputy Vargas to incorporate additional legislative proposals into ongoing discussions.

Discussion on Commission Integrations and Legislative Proposals

Integration of Special Commissions

  • The assembly discusses the integration of special commissions, with a focus on including specific members as requested by a deputy.
  • The commission for bill 23,348 regarding constitutional rights for caregiving will include deputies Monseñor Montserrat Ruiz, Vanessa Castro, Sofia Guillén, Olga Morera, and Cynthia Córdoba.
  • Deputy expresses interest in joining the commission related to bill 23,420 concerning reforms to access administrative departments and public information.

Composition Concerns

  • There is a concern about the composition of the commission being predominantly male; discussions suggest that independent members should be included when possible.
  • A deputy questions how some members were informed about their inclusion in the commission while others were not. This raises concerns about transparency in communication.

Interest in Participation

  • A deputy mentions that only three out of five required members initially showed interest in forming the commission. They express willingness to step back if more interested parties emerge.
  • Discussion continues around whether independent deputies coordinated their participation; one member indicates they are willing to support if needed.

Clarification on Representation

  • Clarifications are made regarding representation at previous meetings where no independent or alternative expressions were noted from certain factions.
  • It is confirmed that there was representation from one faction during prior discussions about these commissions.

Upcoming Deadlines and Revisions

  • Advisors are reminded that lists need to be finalized by Tuesday for timely submission to technical services.
  • A distinction is made between closing lists for review versus final submission deadlines; clarity is sought on this process among deputies.

Legislative Reform Discussions

  • The assembly addresses ongoing legislative reforms and requests feedback from party representatives regarding proposed changes before setting voting dates.
  • A request is made for time allocation for farmers' representatives who wish to discuss their concerns with the assembly.

Discussion on Communication and Agenda Management

Lack of Prior Notification

  • Deputy Alvarado expresses concern that they were not consulted about an upcoming visit, indicating a lack of communication regarding the agenda.
  • A deputy mentions that they were unaware of the situation and suggests that agendas should be shared in advance to avoid confusion.

Communication Channels

  • The speaker highlights the importance of using proper communication channels, noting that information was sent through an advisory chat at 10:12 AM but not received by all deputies.
  • There is a discussion about the responsibilities of advisors and how some deputies were informed while others were not, leading to discrepancies in awareness.

Response from Other Deputies

  • Deputy Larios confirms that their advisor communicated the message promptly upon receipt, ensuring they were informed.
  • Another deputy states they learned about the situation during the session itself, highlighting last-minute changes as problematic.

Procedural Concerns

  • A deputy raises concerns about procedural errors, emphasizing that proper notification protocols should be followed for such visits.
  • The speaker acknowledges past practices where ministers' requests for visits would typically be known beforehand and stresses respect for established procedures.

Apologies and Future Improvements

  • The speaker apologizes for any misunderstandings caused by communication gaps between leadership roles and emphasizes the need for better coordination moving forward.
  • A request is made to ensure future communications are more effective among advisors and deputies to prevent similar issues.

Legislative Discussions on Electronic Bracelets and Project Approvals

Concerns Over Electronic Bracelets for Violent Offenders

  • A proposal is discussed to eliminate the benefit of electronic bracelets for individuals committing crimes with firearms, sharp objects, or blunt instruments. The speaker emphasizes that this issue was highlighted during a previous session.
  • There are positive responses from various entities consulted regarding the need to amend existing legislation that allows offenders to be released with electronic monitoring despite their violent crimes.

Legislative Agenda and Project Proposals

  • The speaker urges consideration of including a specific bill (25,158) in upcoming agendas, expressing openness to suggestions for improvements while advocating for its approval as it stands.
  • A request is made by Deputy Larios to include additional projects in the legislative agenda, highlighting the importance of prioritizing significant initiatives within the limited time remaining.

Strategies for Efficient Legislative Sessions

  • Discussion arises about scheduling extraordinary sessions on Mondays or Fridays to expedite important project approvals before the end of the legislative term.
  • Deputy Larios suggests avoiding extraordinary sessions on Wednesday mornings in February due to ongoing interviews related to judicial appointments.

Addressing Various Legislative Matters

  • Concerns are raised about using "various matters" discussions for proposing new projects instead of focusing on current agenda items. Some members express a need for more time to study proposed bills before making decisions.
  • A consensus emerges around prioritizing significant projects over an extensive list of proposals, emphasizing collaboration among factions to ensure efficient progress.

Engagement with External Stakeholders

  • The session welcomes representatives from Conar Ross who have requested time to present their observations regarding legislative matters.
  • Luis Gerardo Corea Martínez addresses lawmakers, pleading for support on project 24.211, which he claims is crucial for saving his sector from economic decline associated with a problematic route known as "the rice route."

Discussion on Rice Production and Economic Challenges

Impact of Economic Conditions on Rice Producers

  • The speaker discusses the loss of their home and financial struggles due to economic pressures, emphasizing the importance of rice as a staple food for Costa Ricans.
  • They argue that rice is not expensive; rather, imported alternatives are affecting local prices. The current global price for rice is at its lowest, which should benefit consumers.
  • A specific case is mentioned where a producer from Purral did not receive expected assistance despite significant currency devaluation and tariff reductions.

Call for Legislative Support

  • The speaker urges lawmakers to prioritize a proposed project aimed at supporting local producers, criticizing the lack of political will reflected in its low priority on the legislative agenda.
  • They express feelings of injustice towards small producers who are struggling and emphasize the urgent need for legislative approval to ensure sustainability.

Personal Testimonies from Producers

  • Fernando Rivas shares his personal story about facing foreclosure on his home due to inability to pay debts linked to rice production losses.
  • He highlights statistical data showing a significant decline in production over recent years, urging legislators to consider future projections rather than just historical data.

Sustainability and Future Projections

  • The speaker stresses that support from institutions like Conarroz is crucial for sustainability in rice production, arguing that without it, rural economies will suffer further.
  • They warn about potential food shortages if local production continues to decline while imports increase, advocating for maintaining some level of domestic production.

Critique of Government Policies

  • The speaker criticizes perceptions that small producers are wealthy or privileged; instead, they assert their desire simply to continue working sustainably in agriculture.
  • A government representative counters by stating that most citizens have benefited from lower basic food prices but questions why aid isn't reaching local producers effectively.

Questions About Resource Allocation

  • Concerns are raised regarding how funds allocated for agricultural support are being utilized and whether they truly benefit those in need within the sector.
  • The discussion concludes with an acknowledgment of productivity challenges faced by Costa Rican rice farmers compared to international competitors.

Discussion on Agricultural Policies and Economic Impact

Importance of Local Production

  • The speaker emphasizes the need for Costa Rica to produce its own food, highlighting the negative impact of past trade policies on local agriculture.
  • A call is made to review a democratic exercise called "doble check," which challenges government statistics regarding rice prices, suggesting they are misleading.

Misleading Data and Public Perception

  • The speaker argues that government data used to claim a decrease in rice prices is not comparable, urging citizens to verify this through their shopping experiences.
  • Acknowledgment of the struggles faced by 200 families involved in rice production, stressing their importance and the broader community's reliance on them.

Economic Realities and Market Dynamics

  • The speaker shares personal insights from Guanacaste about the dire situation for producers, advocating for direct engagement with affected communities.
  • Discussion on market liberalization proposals that could lead to increased costs for consumers while acknowledging the reality of current economic conditions affecting rice prices.

Critique of Government Narratives

  • The speaker critiques government claims about price reductions in international markets, arguing that these benefits have not reached national consumers.
  • An assertion is made that despite claims of market liberalization benefiting consumers, it has primarily favored importers at the expense of local producers.

Decline in Domestic Producers

  • Reference to a significant decline (over 50%) in domestic rice producers since new policies were implemented, raising concerns about sustainability and support for local agriculture.
  • Emphasis on how current economic factors have led to a detrimental environment for local farmers while questioning the validity of governmental narratives surrounding agricultural policy.

Discussion on Rice Prices and Political Accountability

Procedural Acknowledgment

  • The speaker acknowledges a procedural point raised by Doña Andrea, indicating that they can proceed with the discussion.
  • The speaker refers to Don Elie, requesting any differing prices he may have for rice.

Claims of Price Decrease

  • The speaker asserts that rice prices have decreased by up to 33%, challenging Don Elie to provide evidence if he disagrees.
  • They emphasize the importance of accurate language use, stating that rice prices have dropped nationwide across all varieties.

Request for Data

  • The speaker invites other deputies to share any conflicting information regarding rice price increases or stability.
  • They express sympathy for local rice farmers but highlight their party's support from the public as indicative of broader issues.

Reflection on Political Context

  • The speaker reflects on political dynamics, suggesting that in times of polarization, moderate voices struggle to gain traction.
  • They draw historical parallels with leaders like Adolf Hitler and Hugo Chávez who rose through popular elections, emphasizing the unpredictability of public opinion.

Statistical Evidence and Methodology Critique

  • Citing INEC data, the speaker claims a 4% decrease in rice prices but admits not having immediate access to these statistics during the debate.
  • They critique anecdotal evidence as unscientific, comparing it to flawed electoral predictions based solely on personal networks.

Logical Fallacies and Agricultural Challenges

  • Acknowledging logical fallacies such as "appeal to popularity," they argue that majority opinion does not equate to truth or correctness.
  • The complexity of agricultural conversion is highlighted; transitioning crops requires significant support and cannot be simplified.