On Monday afternoon, the Legislative Plenary approved in first reading the national budget of ¢ 9.3 billion for 2018.
The affirmative opinion, subscribed by legislators of the parties National Liberation (PLN) and Christian Social Unit (PUSC), received 34 votes in favor and 9 against.
In the first reading, it also had the backing of the Acción Ciudadana (PAC) party, except for legislator Marcela Guerrero, and the Libertarian Movement.
Mario Redondo, from the Christian Democratic Alliance and the entire Frente Amplio also voted against the budget.
The approval came after the Plenary rejected the affirmative majority opinion that included a proposal that aimed to cut 50% of the political debt to finance the campaigns of the parties for the elections of February 4th.
56% of the spending plan for 2018 is financed with current revenues and 44% with public debt.
The budget will receive approval in second reading next Thursday.