5.16.2006
Disposable legislatures and malleable constitutions
Sounds like some bad medical condition. Perhaps it is.
As the powers of our own U.S. Congress are being weakened by executive power grab (not to mention willful acquiescence), I find it interesting that legislative bodies are also seen as expendible in other parts of the world. This from a recent Reuters article comparing the presidential candidates in Peru's coming runoff election:
- (Ollanta) Humala aims to close Congress and set up a constituent assembly to write a new constitution to increase the role of the state in Peru's economy and redistribute more wealth to the poor.
- (Alan) Garcia wants to restore Congress to a bicameral legislature and might close Congress if lawmakers refuse to lower their salaries. [my itals]
Tags: Peru, Ollanta Humala, Alan Garcia, election, runoff, Reuters, U.S. Congress
