Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

After a law was not passed last month because thirteen congressional representatives were absent from congress, Peru's government has decided to take stricter measures in making politicians fulfill their duties.

It was reported that the congressional representatives who were absent had not provided a valid excuse for their absences and had decided not to take part in the meeting without giving an acceptable reason.

Authorities have decided to fine politicians, in the case that this happens again, and publish the names of the congressional representatives that do not fulfill their duties, said Luis Gonzales Posada, the president of Peru's congress.

Furthermore, Posada announced that beginning next week congress would meet an additional two times per week.

It was reported that a list of the politicians that did not assist congress would be posted on the entity's web page. The people will know which politicians are fulfilling their duties and which are not, assured Posada.

He suggested that it would also be a good idea to publish the names of representatives that were absent and tardy in Peru's official gazette, El Peruano.

The president of congress explained that spokespersons for each party had agreed to educate politicians and make sure that the new measures were applied, stating that congressional representatives would be replaced if the problem continued.