An analysis prepared by engineer Juan Carbajal with data from Transparency reveals that the Congress of the Republic has managed to double its annual cost in just four years. It went from spending an annual budget of S/588.8 million in 2021 to S/1,412 million in 2025.
Which in 2020 represented an expense of approximately 600 million soleshas climbed unstoppably to surpass more than the 1.4 billion soles At the close of the last fiscal period, a figure that is projected to be exceeded for this year 2026, whose opening budget is projected at S/1,768 million.
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Starting in 2022, the budget and execution increased
Analysis of the figures reveals that this increase has not been gradual, but rather exponential. While between 2018 and 2021 the budget remained relatively stable – partly due to the health emergency and periods of parliamentary dissolution – from 2022 onwards, spending skyrocketed. From the S/ 708 million that were managed in 2018, it rose to S/ 879 million in 2022, finally breaking the barrier of 1,000 million in 2024.
By the end of the year 2025 and with projections to 2026, the budget already borders 1,400 million solesconsolidating the trend of doubling spending that occurred less than five years ago.
Where does the money go?
Most of this increase—close to 70%—is concentrated in the Personnel and Social Obligations category. The increase in payroll workers, which has added more than 700 new positions in the current legislative period, along with extraordinary bonuses approved through collective agreements, has inflated the operating cost of the institution.
Added to this are significant expenses in:
- Infrastructure: More than 100 million soles allocated to the adaptation of offices and the Legislative Palace to house the future 130 deputies and 60 senators in 2026.
- Advice and consulting: An increase in the number of advisors for each working group and commission.
- Goods and services: Renewal of vehicle fleet, private security services and technological equipment.
The most expensive Congress of the 21st century
This 100% increase in annual spending occurs at a time of economic fragility for the country, where sectors such as health, education and citizen security face financing gaps. While the Executive preaches a policy of austerity, the Legislature has constantly resorted to supplementary credits to finance its bonds and remodeling.
With bicameralism just around the corner, the projection suggests that Congress’ spending could reach 1.7 billion soles in 2026becoming the most expensive Parliament of the 21st century for the pockets of Peruvians.
