No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveOpposition Legislators Reject Reforms for Speedy Votes

Opposition Legislators Reject Reforms for Speedy Votes

Members of the Legislative Assembly’s three largest opposition parties joined forces to reject a change in the assembly’s regulations that would allow for voting deadlines.

The Citizen Action Party (PAC), the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) and the Libertarian Movement Party maintain this is not the time to discuss regulatory changes in the assembly, since many bills are already under consideration on the assembly floor and in commissions, according to the daily La Nación. A special commission created in May, when the new legislators took office, has been considering the reforms, but has never met.

“A reform to the Reglamento (assembly regulations) should be sought at a better moment,” PUSC leader Lorena Vásquez told the daily. “There are too many things on the agenda.”

Mayí Antillón, leader of the commission to consider reforms and faction head of the leading National Liberation Party (PLN), which brought President Oscar Arias to power and holds 25 seats in the assembly – more than any other party, but not a majority in the 57-seat legislature – reiterated that reforming the regulations is essential, but admitted “it’s not viable to achieve 38 votes (for) reform.”

“I don’t perceive any interest in the legislators in changing the Reglamento. These things should come from a great consensus, or there’s no way to do it,” Assembly President Francisco Pacheco, also of Liberation, told the daily.

The assembly has a packed agenda, including tax reform, the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA), reforms to state-held monopolies, loans for education and sewer improvement, and other bills. During the last assembly (2002-2006), when a controversial tax reform bill was discussed for nearly the entire term and never passed, some legislators and outside observers clamored for change to the assembly’s regulations.

 

Trending Now

UN Ocean Summit Ends with Progress but No Clear Funding

The UN Ocean Summit concluded in Nice with advances in protecting the high seas—but without any clear financial commitments. After bringing together around 60...

Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister Dismisses Crime and Currency Concerns

Tourism Minister William Rodríguez López addressed growing concerns about crime and the strengthening colón’s impact on Costa Rica’s tourism industry, asserting that these issues...

Costa Rica Debates Sustainable Redevelopment of Crucitas Region

The Frente Amplio party has introduced a bold new bill in Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly aimed at transforming Crucitas, an area historically associated with...

Costa Rica’s Investment Appeal Fades Amid Social and Environmental Challenges

Costa Rica’s reputation as a prime destination for foreign investment is under threat, according to a new study from the University of Costa Rica...

Costa Rica Bids Farewell to Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro

Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, who died Saturday at the age of 95, was honored Monday in a funeral mass held in...

Costa Rica’s 2025 Flamingo Fishing Rodeo Highlights Sport and Conservation

With great fishing and a renewed focus on family fun, the Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo presented by Marina Flamingo is set to take center stage in the world...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica