A high-ranking official in the office of Lower House President Raúl Latorre has seen his salary skyrocket in recent months, a dramatic increase that began shortly before he officially registered his university degree. Germán Jovellanos Noveri, a member of Latorre's cabinet, saw his income surge from G. 2.8 million to G. 28.2 million in November 2023, and further increased to G. 29.5 million in March 2024.
Jovellanos registered his Business Administration degree on April 14, 2024, with the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC). His substantial salary increase reportedly occurred even before this official registration. Prior to this period, as an official in the Presidency, Jovellanos earned G. 2.8 million. His current salary of over G. 29.5 million is significantly higher than the average income of operators in the Lower House, which typically ranges between G. 4 million and G. 5 million.
This rapid career advancement and salary hike for Jovellanos comes at a time when the Lower House has faced public scrutiny over alleged nepotism, with accusations of hiring the children and relatives of parliamentarians. Despite these controversies, Latorre has claimed savings of G. 17 billion compared to previous administrations. However, reports suggest the Lower House is currently overstaffed, with 2,523 employees. Since Latorre took office, 778 new employees have been added, resulting in approximately 31 staff members per legislator.
The structure of the Lower House's staffing includes 168 general director positions and 194 chief positions, among other roles such as coordinations and advisory positions. A significant portion of the workforce, 275 employees, are reportedly seconded from other institutions.