Congress debates extension of presidential powers

Congress debates extension of presidential powers
Wednesday, 09 March 2011 11:51
Marguerite Cawley

Colombia's Congress is engaged in debate over the granting of special powers to the presidency to control public bodies, Congress' website reported Tuesday.

Senators from all political parties criticized the lack of clarity in a proposal for further special powers to be granted to President Juan Manuel Santos, in addition to those which currently allow the president to create new ministries.

Debate began over a provision that would allow Santos to make changes to the legal basis, as well as the organizational structure, of various administrative bodies. The addition of section "e" of "Article 17" would permit Santos to "create, divide, and change the legal nature of public establishments and other entities or administrative bodies," of the public administration sector.

Prior to the debate, Congress approved provisions of Article 17 which would allow Santos to create, divide, fuse, abolish, and determine the organizational structure of administrative departments as well as new ministries. However, the debate grew to include the pre-approved provisions as well as a section of this document

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/14803-congress-debates-extension-of-presidential-powers.html

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