Tensions in Congress mark the closure of the 2024-2025 legislative session in Peru.

The closure of the first legislative session of Congress for the 2024-2025 term is marked by tensions and controversies that have placed the institution at the center of public attention. This Friday, the President of Congress, Eduardo Salhuana, made it clear that the legislative session will not extend beyond December 15. Although he did not rule out the possibility of extending the sessions by one or two more days, he insisted that his Board of Directors is firmly committed to respecting the established constitutional deadlines. During a press conference, Salhuana mentioned that the deadline is non-negotiable, and while there may be requests from various parliamentary groups to prolong legislative activities, the intention is to conclude the work within the established timeframe. This comes in a context where questions have arisen regarding the management of Congress, particularly concerning the approval of controversial regulations and the lack of transparency in handling certain bills. One of the hottest topics to be discussed during the session is the motion of censure against the Minister of Development and Social Inclusion, Julio Demartini. Salhuana indicated that this issue has been prioritized and that a vote is expected to take place this Friday, in an attempt to show that Congress is acting proactively in response to citizens' concerns. This decision reflects the pressure the institution faces to act swiftly and efficiently in critical situations. Among the projects that will be debated until the end of the legislative session are important issues such as the regulation of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the new Agrarian Law, and proposals for constitutional reforms. The diversity of these topics reflects the complexity of the social and political context in which the country operates, and the need to address issues of national interest. Additionally, the recent proposal by President Dina Boluarte to discuss the implementation of the death penalty for child molesters has generated various reactions. Salhuana has pointed out that this topic tends to resurface in times of social upheaval, especially following heinous crimes that affect the most vulnerable. Despite the outrage it provokes among the population, the President of Congress emphasized that implementing such a measure requires broad debate and adherence to various legal procedures. The head of the Legislative also highlighted that Peru is a signatory to international treaties that obligate the country to respect certain human rights, which would complicate the implementation of the death penalty. This point is particularly relevant at a time when society demands strong responses to the growing insecurity and violence. In a reflective tone, Salhuana stressed the importance of normalizing the institutional and political life of Peru, rejecting the practice of express vacancies that have characterized political instability in previous years. This comment arises in the context of speculations about the possibility of a motion to vacate President Boluarte, following controversies related to governmental management. Thus, the closure of this legislative session not only marks a milestone in Congress's activities but also raises questions about the political future of the country and the ability of its institutions to respond to citizens' demands. The pressure to act efficiently and transparently is more evident than ever, and many observers wonder if Congress will be able to meet the expectations of the population. With the clock ticking and the deadline in sight, the challenge for Congress is clear: to respond to the country's urgencies while staying within the limits of legality and respect for human rights. Salhuana's management and his team's performance will be evaluated not only by the number of laws passed but also by the quality of their response to the problems affecting Peruvian society. As the end of the legislative session approaches, the tone and direction that Congress takes will be crucial in laying the groundwork for future politics in the country, in a context where distrust towards institutions is palpable. Citizens expect their representatives to act responsibly and in the interest of the common good, and only time will tell if this Congress lives up to such expectations.