Judicial body warned that the lack of resources threatens judicial independence

The financial crisis in the Judicial Branch has worsened. The institution declared a budget emergency due to a deficit of 140 million bolivianos. According to its authorities, this situation endangers the already questioned judicial independence and public service.

The president of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), Romer Saucedo, reported that the budget cut has prevented the re-hiring of temporary staff. He explained that many officials who handled notifications and received procedures have not been able to be reinstated after their contracts expired.

In departments like Beni and Santa Cruz, the impact is significant. Saucedo detailed that in Beni there is no longer staff available for document notification. In Santa Cruz, where 80 officials were required to attend to judicial platforms, only 15 remain operating.

Representatives of the TSJ, the Plurinational Constitutional Court (TCP), the Agro-environmental Court (TA), and the Council of the Judiciary (CM) expressed their concern at a press conference. They assured that without sufficient resources, access to justice will be more limited.

Manuel Baptista, president of the Council of the Judiciary, indicated that without a budget, reforms or improvements in the judicial system can't be implemented. He added that the budget emergency is a priority before any other structural change.

The institution also demanded a fair budget allocation from the Ministry of Economy. Currently, the budget of the Judicial Branch represents less than 0.5% of the General State Budget (PGE). Judicial authorities demand at least 3% to ensure its operation.

The budget crisis also affects the modernization of the judicial system. Saucedo reported that the digitization of departmental courts of justice could be delayed due to lack of funds.

The Judicial Branch has taken drastic measures to highlight its problem. This week, it announced its withdrawal from Commission 898, responsible for monitoring judicial reform. It argued that the commission doesn't prioritize the institution's financial crisis.

According to Saucedo, without sufficient resources, there could be no talk of new reforms or the creation of courts. He stated that the operation of the branch depends on hiring more staff and improving infrastructure.

Lines in the courts have increased due to staff reduction. Litigants report delays in their judicial processes due to the lack of officials responsible for public service.

Wasn't the situation solved at the beginning of the year?

At the beginning of the year, the Judicial Branch was already facing a similar crisis. It received an insufficient budget and accumulated a deficit of 149 million bolivianos. The liquidity issue affected service in courts and tribunals across the country.

The lack of resources has also halted the creation of new courts to serve the population. Several regions require more judges and courts.

Without a budget, these projects are suspended. This harms access to justice for thousands of citizens.

Since 2022, international organizations have warned about the judicial crisis in Bolivia. The UN pointed out that the justice system is "far from the people" and requires urgent changes. Without the necessary resources, the necessary reforms to serve the population are unfeasible.

The Government has not provided concrete responses to the demands of the Judicial Branch. So far, no budget increases have been made.

Judicial authorities insist on the urgency of the issue. They warned regime authorities that without a budget, the system's collapse is imminent.

The crisis also affects the revenue collection of the Judicial Branch. Without sufficient staff, the procedures that generate resources have been reduced. This worsens the financial situation.

The Judicial Branch insists that without budget guarantees, it can't ensure judicial independence. It requests an urgent meeting with Luis Arce to seek immediate solutions.

Judicial authorities hope that the MAS government will address their demands. They warn that if they do not receive a timely response, the situation could worsen in the coming months. The lack of action reflects the economic crisis the country is going through.