During a plenary session on Monday, the
Congress of the Republic approved the constitutional reform bill to eliminate the confidence vote requirement that must be fulfilled after the formation of a new Ministerial Cabinet.
The bill was approved with 75 votes in favor, 46 against, and no abstentions.
It should be noted that constitutional reform bills require the approving vote from a number higher than two thirds (87) of the legal number of legislators (130).
However, given that this proposal did not get that number of votes, it shall be ratified by a referendum, in accordance with the provisions of Article 206 of the Political Constitution.
The legislative initiative was promoted in 2021 by Fuerza Popular (Popular Force) parliamentary group, which proposed the reform of articles 130, 132, 133 and 134 of the Magna Carta.
However, a substitute text was presented for this debate by the Congress' Constitution and Regulation Commission, which only proposed the amendment of Article 130 of the Political Constitution.
In this sense, the aforementioned article reads as follows:
"Within thirty days of having assumed his functions, the Prime Minister and the other ministers shall attend Congress to present and discuss the general policy of the government and the main measures required for its implementation. This presentation does not give rise to the presentation of a motion of confidence. If Congress is not convened, the President of the Republic shall call a special session."
Likewise, the proposal provides that Congress will have up to 30 business days, since the law has come into force, to adapt its regulations in accordance with what is established in the planned amendment.
(END) GDS/RMB
Published: 1/16/2023