"The Congress suspends official trips and seeks to strengthen citizen transparency."

The recent decision by Congress to suspend official travel for its members abroad for a period of 60 days has generated a wave of reactions both within and outside the political sphere. The measure, announced through an official statement, seeks to reformulate the guidelines that regulate these authorizations and emphasizes the need to ensure that trips reflect the principles of plurality and proportionality among the different parliamentary groups. This decision comes at a time when transparency and accountability are more than necessary. The announcement arrives at a critical moment when the credibility of democratic institutions is under intense scrutiny. Several lawmakers have been the subject of controversies and accusations, including a recent scandal involving a legislator from Alianza para el Progreso (APP), who has been questioned for proposing bills that supposedly benefit illegal miners. Such conduct has put the ethics and responsibility of the people's representatives in the spotlight, making Congress's decision to suspend travel even more relevant. Moreover, the decision to open Plaza Bolívar as a cultural space, with the participation of departmental clubs, educational centers, and regional governments, shows an intention to bring the institution closer to citizens. This initiative, accompanied by guided tours of the Legislative Palace and other cultural spaces like the Afro-Peruvian Museum, can be seen as an effort to humanize the image of Congress and foster a more direct relationship with the public. Access to these spaces represents an opportunity for students and tourists, both national and foreign, to gain firsthand knowledge of the work done by their representatives. However, it is crucial that these actions do not simply become a public relations strategy. The opening of Congress must be accompanied by a genuine commitment from legislators regarding transparency and ethics in their management. In the context of the travel suspension, it is important to highlight that this measure could be a response to the growing social and media pressure surrounding the actions of some congress members. Citizens have begun to demand greater responsibility and coherence in the work of their representatives, as well as a more prudent use of public resources. This suspension is likely to be interpreted as a first step toward a broader reform aimed at restoring public trust in Congress. However, criticism should not cease with the implementation of these measures. Citizens and the media must maintain a critical eye on how these reforms will develop and whether they will truly lead to a significant change in how Congress operates. Recent history has shown that intentions may not be enough, and it is the effective implementation of these guidelines that will truly make a difference. On the other hand, the situation of the questioned congressman highlights the complexity of current Peruvian politics. The accusation of having been the legal representative of informal miners under investigation for environmental crimes exposes the interactions between politics and informal mining, a widely debated issue in the country. This raises questions about the role of legislators and their responsibility in promoting laws that may favor illegal or environmentally harmful activities. The opposition and interest groups must remain vigilant against any attempts to use this context to legislate in a way that benefits certain sectors at the expense of the general welfare. Transparency in the legislative process will be crucial to ensure that the interests of the public are prioritized and that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. Finally, the suspension of travel and the opening of cultural spaces are just the beginning. The public has the power to demand real and significant change in Peruvian politics. Active participation and constant questioning of political actors are essential for building a fairer and more representative system. The path to rebuilding trust in institutions is filled with challenges, but it is a journey worth undertaking.