Presupuesto 2026 The Cartagena City Council has approved a $4.55 trillion budget for 2026, a 14.21% increase from 2025, with Education and Health receiving the largest allocations. While the budget emphasizes public investment, particularly in social programs and vulnerable groups, concerns remain about its sufficiency to address widespread hunger and the funding sources for numerous promised infrastructure projects. The article notes that the city needs the promised macro-projects to materialize to overcome inertia and foster economic growth.

• Cartagena’s 2026 budget is set at $4.554 trillion, a 14.21% increase from 2025.
• Education and Health are the primary recipients, with 70% allocated to school recovery, the PAE program, and hospital construction.
• 78% of the budget is designated for public investment, 18% for operational expenses, and 4% for debt service.
• Increased investment for vulnerable groups, seniors, and ethnic communities totals $48.055 million.
• Concerns are raised that the current allocation for vulnerable groups is insufficient to combat hunger effectively.
• The article questions why the “Obras por impuestos” program, which leverages corporate social investment, has not been more readily integrated into the budget.
• Doubts exist regarding the fiscal reality and the sources of funding for all promised projects, especially given credit obligations and legal contingencies.
• The administration’s commitment to executing promised macro-projects is crucial for Cartagena’s development. https://nicaragua-hub.syndichain.com/articles/3a4c4d6c-16dd-4486-a733-d3092280d24f https://www.eluniversal.com.co/opinion/editorial/2025/12/07/presupuesto-2026/