Mexican Congress Pauses Plenary Sessions, Awaits Key Reforms
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The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has temporarily suspended plenary sessions, postponing a return to full legislative activity until February 10, as lawmakers prepare for a series of anticipated reform proposals.
The decision, reached after the legislative period formally began on February 1 with procedural sessions, allows legislators to focus on committee work while awaiting formal initiatives from President Claudia Sheinbaum, including a significant electoral reform. The move has drawn criticism from the Senate, with some members questioning the timing of the recess.
Deputies Prioritize Committee Work Ahead of Key Votes
Following the resumption of the ordinary period, the Chamber of Deputies approved a rescheduling of its activities. This adjustment, according to Ricardo Monreal Ávila, coordinator of Morena and president of the Political Coordination Board in San Lázaro, is intended to facilitate the advancement of pending opinions in anticipation of the arrival of formal reform proposals. Several initiatives have been announced, but have yet to be officially submitted to the Chamber.
“The intention is that the work carried out in commissions allows that, once the sessions are resumed in plenary, they can be discussed and vote on opinions without delays,” Monreal Ávila affirmed. He emphasized that the pause in plenary sessions does not represent a complete halt to legislative work.
Senate Voices Criticism of Recess
The decision to suspend plenary sessions was met with pointed commentary from the Senate. During an economic vote, a PRI senator sarcastically questioned whether the deputies had been granted permission to “not go to work” for the week, asking for a show of hands from those in favor.
“I consult the Assembly, in an economic vote, if the Chamber of Deputies is authorized so that they no longer go to work throughout the week and show up until next week. Who is in favor of raising their hands?” the senator expressed. This statement highlights the growing tension between the two legislative bodies regarding the pace of legislative action.
Focus on Electoral and Anti-Corruption Reforms
Congress is particularly focused on two key initiatives expected from President Sheinbaum: the electoral reform and an anti-corruption initiative. February was initially identified as the target month for the submission of the electoral reform proposal, though a formal project has not yet been presented by the Executive branch.
Lawmakers intend to leverage the time during the recess to thoroughly review and prepare for these crucial debates, ensuring a swift and efficient process once plenary sessions resume on February 10. The hope is that the preparatory work in committees will streamline the discussion and voting process, avoiding potential delays.
