Guatemala
Parliamentarians argued absence for blockages and for being out of the country.
The block chief session was suspended by absence of deputies (Photo Free Press: Erick Avila)
The paralysis of the plenary sessions is a consequence of the absence of the majority of block leaders yesterday, when the work agenda of the week should be discussed.
The absence of sessions will also delay, at least one more week, compliance with the order issued by the Constitutional Court (CC) so that the Plenary knows the expulsion of Karina Paz from the Block Will, Opportunity and Solidarity (you) and the first Secretariat of the Board of Directors.
The session was scheduled for last March 31, but had to be suspended because only six of 16 banks represented, which gave way to the president of Congress, Nery Ramos, would cancel the session and reprogram it for next Monday, waiting for assistance and the legislative agenda is complied with.
“I as president cannot get ahead of speculation until I continue listening to the positions of the block leaders and the different deputies,” said Ramos, being questioned about what I considered that the absence of the deputies was attributed.
On Monday’s block chiefs, only banks of banks committed commitment, renewal and order (I believe), will, opportunity and solidarity (you), victory, full, vision with values (living) and blue arrived.
The absencers were Vanos, Unionista, Value, all, Winaq, National Unit of Hope (UNE), we, elephant community, national change and well -being (good).
Arguments
The Cabal Party deputy, Luis Aguirre, indicated that some parliamentarians argued that, because of the blockages, they could not arrive, and others are outside the country.
“Pity that there is no session this week; we still do not advance. The problem is that they continue to charge without working and that is a mistake,” he said.
After the Board of Directors of the Congress suspended the salary increase of Q46 thousand base, it is now sought that legislative agreement 31-2024, which approves the legislative body budget for that increase, is repealed.
Different sectors manifested in favor of modifying the legislative agreement. The articulation of the Mayan people Mam de Quetzaltenango, for example, requested in a statement that the deputies rectify their position; He also expressed his rejection of pointing out that only suspend the salary increase of the deputies, far from reflecting a measure of justice and equity, evidences the lack of sensitivity towards the needs of the people of Guatemala.
“We demand the immediate repeal of this excessive increase and without justification, considering it a mockery, while the majority of the population continues to face serious inequalities and deficiencies,” they said.
A parliamentarian must also be appointed in the first secretariat of the Board of Directors of the Congress, after, by order of the Constitutional Court, Deputy Karina Paz must leave the position, since she was expelled from the block by which she was elected: the will, the will, opportunity and solidarity (you).
Despite this resolution, the deputy said she will continue working since her seat and denounced attacks on social networks. He also pointed out that criticism and attacks against him come from people within his own party.
The discussion about other initiatives, such as the reform of the Hydrocarbons Law has also generated friction among some legislators, although that regulation was not within the agenda for this week.
No consensus
“Many decided not to participate, and the blockades were not so chaotic to make it an excuse,” said the deputy of the Cristian Álvarez.
Álvarez says that there are no agreements in the plenary and there is a large pressure for the Board of Directors on issues that may have annoying parliamentarians.
“The election of a person on the Board of Directors, who apparently, therefore, there is no consensus about who to put, what to do or what a course, but it is taken as a topic that can destabilize the Board of Directors,” he said.
Álvarez says that the issue of salary increase has been difficult and it seems that it is something that is not wanted to address either.
“They do not want changes in the Board of Directors or do not want to discuss the issue of the increase, and they prefer to move away,” he said.
He added: “The country burns in the streets with demonstrations, claims, violence, and because the representatives decide to go on vacation early.”
Qualification
María del Carmen Aceña, a member of the efficient Congress, points out that in 2024 there was a record assistance of the deputies to the plenary sessions and several decrees were approved. However, he considers that it is not the number of decrees that matters, but its quality, and not all were contribution.
“We cannot measure Congress for the number of decrees, but for quality; his work in commissions remains the same,” he said.
Aceña argues that there is a conflict between the deputies and the Board of Directors on the issue of salary and have little time to meet him before the holidays.
“I do not know if they are going to discuss it before Easter. The other week they would only be left basically two days. I think the issue of salary is why there have been no sessions. There are definitely some deputies who disagree, who do want their increase,” he said.
“They really cannot be compared to others, such as magistrates, because they have a career, they are evaluated, they have university studies; the deputies do not,” he said.
Aceña considers that parliamentarians should manage a salary increase, but through a transparent process and according to the country’s economic situation.