The approval of the internal regulations, a norm demanded by the citizens, seems to have stalled, blocked by discussions that go beyond the articles and paragraphs. Some deputies appeal to the will to move forward; others admit that consensus is still distant. "We would lift spirits and generate a political movement that is better handled with calm," he assured. For him, the debate requires prudence and time, especially given the proximity of the end of the legislative period and the complexity of approving the changes in second and third debate. Meanwhile, Orlando Carrasquilla, from Democratic Change, downplayed the existence of privileges in the Assembly and highlighted that some deductions, such as for an unused car or a cell phone, do not represent significant benefits. But beyond the discussions about will and divisions in the factions, the true tension in the National Assembly seems to focus on the struggle for the presidency of that body. Behind this apparent stagnation, politics shows its crudest face: the struggle for the next presidency of the Assembly, to be defined on July 1st. This medium consulted deputies from various factions, but the responses about the future of the internal regulations in the next 30 days left a diffuse and uncertain panorama. José Luis Varela, deputy of the Panameñista Party, stated that it will depend on the will of his colleagues. "If there is will, there is enough time to approve it," he said, although he recognized that there are delays in the technical part of the process. Therefore, its delay generates uncertainty and evidences the political tension. According to Varela, who is also part of the Credentials Commission, his party's faction is willing to advance in both second and third debate. Currently, the Credentials Commission has scheduled a meeting for next Wednesday, with the intention of discussing the pending points and accelerating the approval of the regulations in first debate, although that same step was planned for this week. Another of the consulted deputies is Augusto Palacios, from the Vamos coalition. "Herrera would be politically strengthened if the regulations are approved with the current modifications," said the source. The Changes Among the modifications approved and included in the internal regulations are salary deductions for deputies who are absent without justification. In the legislative circles, the version circulates strongly that the current president, Jorge Herrera, of the Panameñista Party, seeks re-election, while the deputy of Realizing Goals, Dana Castañeda, president of the Credentials Commission where the internal regulations are discussed, also profiles as a contender. The approval of the internal regulations, one of Herrera's main promises as a show of transparency, now depends on this political dispute. "I would think that in some sectors there is will, but not entirely, not in all factions," he said, while revealing objections within the officialism itself, that is, the Realizing Goals faction. "Some comrades from the officialism have said that they do not agree with the modifications to the Assembly's regulations," he added, suggesting that the internal debate revolves around the perception that certain changes could affect existing privileges. Opinion of the Officialism The deputy of Realizing Goals, Alain Cedeño, emphasized the division within the parties. In the hallways of the National Assembly, a mix of tension and hurry is breathed. Palacios recognized that political will is not uniform among the factions. A source consulted by this medium pointed out that precisely this is one of the reasons why the debate is at a standstill. Currently, the regulations do not set specific deadlines, which this year caused a delay of about 35 days in the installation of the commissions. The internal regulations are the backbone that organizes legislative work and guarantees transparency in decisions. "I am one of those who believes that if we have the majority to discuss it, we should do so without fear and approve the necessary changes," he stated. "There are people who think that changing details of the regulations will not fix anything. However, he recognized that other deputies oppose even debating the norm, considering that the discussion is more of a media spectacle than a real need. When consulted about the possibility that the internal regulations are approved before the end of the ordinary sessions period, Cedeño was skeptical: "I don't believe so, because that would mean entering into a controversial discussion, inside and outside the Assembly. It was also approved the proposal for bills to be debated in chronological order, that is, according to their presentation date in the Assembly. Likewise, deadlines were established for the formation and installation of the commissions: a maximum of 10 business days to form them and five additional days for their formal installation. "If there is no consensus in 10 days, it must be put to a vote," specified deputy Palacios. All this happens while the calendar does not forgive: the ordinary sessions period concludes next April 30, leaving politicians facing a race against time. It defines the roles of the deputies, the functioning of the commissions, and the order of the debates, protects minorities and prevents privileges.
