Montevideo – Uruguay’s Chamber of Deputies continued its lengthy debate over the 2026 Rendición de Cuentas bill. However, two controversial proposals did not reach a final vote. The measures involved changes to the country’s media rules and the National Institute for Animal Welfare.

Instead, lawmakers decided that the proposals should receive further discussion in committee. Therefore, neither measure was definitively approved during the session.

The decision came during a long parliamentary debate on Wednesday, August 19. Deputies reviewed provisions involving several ministries, including Interior, Agriculture, Environment, Transport and Industry.

Uruguay Budget Debate Leaves Key Reforms Pending

One of the most debated issues concerned the National Institute for Animal Welfare, known as INBA. The government had proposed changing the institutional structure of the agency.

Under the proposal, INBA would become a non-state public legal entity. As a result, it would no longer operate under the Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries in its current form.

INBA President Esteban Vieta had previously defended the proposed transformation. According to Vieta, the change could provide the institute with greater independence.

Moreover, he argued that the agency deals with animals beyond the traditional scope of the livestock ministry. INBA handles issues involving domestic animals and other species.

However, the proposal generated concerns. Some workers questioned its financial implications and warned about possible effects on staffing. Consequently, the institutional reform became one of the sensitive points surrounding the bill.

Media Law Changes Also Face Further Debate

Changes related to Uruguay’s media legislation were another unresolved issue. Lawmakers did not give the proposed modifications final approval during the session.

Instead, the matter will receive further consideration in committee. This means legislators will have another opportunity to analyze the proposal before deciding whether it should advance.

Therefore, the current parliamentary process does not mean that the proposed changes have been rejected permanently. Rather, their final shape remains open to negotiation.

Animal Welfare Funding Remains an Important Issue

The debate over INBA also comes amid concerns about its resources. Earlier this year, Vieta said the institute receives around 500 complaints every month from across Uruguay while operating with only three officials.

At the time, he said changes would be introduced through the Rendición de Cuentas process to seek additional financing for the institution.

Therefore, the discussion is not limited to INBA’s legal status. Funding, staffing and the agency’s ability to implement animal welfare policies are also central issues.

The proposed reform sought to provide a different institutional framework. However, lawmakers will now have more time to examine its potential consequences.

Parliament Continues Rendición de Cuentas Debate

The wider Rendición de Cuentas debate covers several areas of government policy. During the August 19 session, lawmakers considered provisions involving the ministries of Defense, Interior, Agriculture, Environment, Transport, and Industry.

Meanwhile, negotiations between political parties remain important because several provisions require sufficient parliamentary support.

For now, the proposed media law changes and the restructuring of INBA remain unresolved. Both issues are expected to return to committee for additional discussion.

As a result, lawmakers will have another opportunity to negotiate the details before any definitive changes are approved.