Unwelcome news. The Constitution Committee of the Senate—part of the Congress of the Republic—has approved the legislative powers requested by Keiko Fujimori’s government, with the inclusion of seven additional points that were not debated as required by the rules of procedure. The granting of these powers was made possible by the vote of Senator Roger Astucuri, from the “Obras” (Works) parliamentary group—a former member of the opposition.
Initially, it was expected that the legislative powers would be limited to the 20 points already approved by the Chamber of Deputies—a scope agreed upon by the opposition blocs “Juntos por el Perú,” “Ahora Nación,” “Buen Gobierno,” and “Obras” in that chamber. However, with Astucuri (Obras) participating, the committee was able to convene and reach the quorum needed to approve all 27 points. Legislator Daniel Barragán (also of Obras) was also present, stating, “We are not the opposition; we are the solution” (though it was revealed today that his sister has been hired for a public-sector position).
Following the Constitution Committee’s report, the delegation of powers will move to the Senate plenary agenda for final debate and a vote. Approval will require a qualified majority of 66 votes—a threshold the ruling party expects to reach with the support of the Obras bloc.
The seven additional points include modifications to the rules governing the use of force by the Armed Forces, a new classification for criminal organizations (placing them under a legal framework similar to that used for terrorists), expanded legal protections for cases of legitimate self-defense, and the strengthening of the operational authority of the National Intelligence Directorate (DINI), among other measures.
The path toward the final approval of these delegated powers remains complex and uncertain. Initially, the request for special legislative powers encompassed other areas that affected labor rights, but its approval in the Chamber of Deputies narrowed the scope to two issues: security and the El Niño phenomenon. Regarding the current approval process, an agreement had been reached on 20 points; however, following a shift in the position of the Public Works sector, seven additional points were approved today without proper debate.
The country remains watchful, hoping that the opposition will not yield even an inch further in defending the rights of the vast majority.
