A. M. 
The Ministry of the Interior and Territorial Development presented before the Finance Committee of the Legislative Assembly its budget proposal for 2025, which amounts to US$283,677,604. This portfolio seeks to strengthen its programs for the protection of the population, especially those focused on natural disasters.
The requested amount represents US$26,213,986 less than the US$309,891,590 allocated for 2024. The minister of this portfolio, Juan Carlos Bidegain, said that, as of october 29, this year, 71% of the budget allocated for this year has been executed and that it will reach its totality in the remaining months.
He also highlighted as achievements of the institution he presides the modernization of the Official Gazette, the Post Office and the Registry of Non-Profit Associations and Foundations.
De Correos explained that there are 94 branches in the country. This institution had a deficit of US$6 million, but it was paid with its own funds generated by the management. Today it has computer equipment that allows it to streamline administrative and operational processes.
Attention points have been set up in the 14 departments for the Directorate for the Registration of Non-Profit Associations and Foundations, and so far this year more than 1,200 entities have been authorized. Also, 130 international concerts have been attended by the Directorate of Public Shows.
But management goes beyond this and institutions that guarantee the lives of rescuers have been strengthened: Civil Protection and the Fire Department. The former has been equipped with 170 shelters nationwide, with the capacity to shelter 9,500 people in case of an emergency in the country.
The fire department grew to 800 firefighters duly trained and equipped to deal with different types of events. “Previous governments called us heroes, but never gave us the necessary resources. Now, human talent has been equipped, since each event that is attended demands specialized people”, he assured.
The budget for 2025, as explained by Minister Bidegain, will be distributed as follows: Institutional Administration Directorate, US$11,137,240; Risk Prevention and Attention, US$6,410,830; Territorial Development, US$2,506,298; Service Management, US$7,162,512; National Council for Territorial Planning and Development, US$100,000; Support to attached institutions, US$225,487,349; and Infrastructure, US$30,873,375.
