Legislative process underway
The Parliament is preparing to carry out the vote this Thursday that will give the green light to the reform of its regulations. This modification seeks not only to expand the number of cases in which proxy voting is allowed, but also contemplates, for the first time, the possibility of voting electronically. Furthermore, in this session the validation of eight deputies who will represent the Generalitat in the Senate will be decided.
Support of the Council of Statutory Guarantees
A day before, the Consell de Garanties Statutàries (CGE) approved the proposal promoted by the parties PSC-Units, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya, Comunes and the CUP, with the exception of a clause related to the delegation of voting, which is considered to infringe article 23.2 of the Spanish Constitution.
Amendments to the agenda
The reform is expected to advance through a single reading, with the support of the proposing parties. However, various amendments must first be voted on. Among them, one presented by Junts stands out, which proposes the elimination of article 25.4 of the chamber’s regulations. This article establishes the immediate suspension of those deputies who face oral proceedings for crimes related to corruption.
The case of Laura Borràs
Article 25.4 was used by the representatives of PSC-Units, Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya and the CUP two years ago to suspend the then president of the Chamber, Laura Borràs. This precedent highlights the relevance of the proposed amendment and the implications it could have in the future.
Opinions of the CGE
Regarding the delegation of voting, the CGE opinion indicates that the phrase ‘the vote of the delegating person is counted in the same sense as the vote cast by the person to whom it is delegated’ is unconstitutional. Therefore, it is recommended to reformulate that part of the rule, maintaining only the option that establishes that when the meaning of the delegate’s vote differs from that of the person exercising, the Board must be informed before starting the session.
senatorial representation
In addition to this reform, the plenary session will also carry out the appointment of the eight senators who will represent the Generalitat in the Upper House. The proposed candidates cover various political parties, including Antoni Poveda, Núria Marín and Alfons García for PSC-Units; Teresa Pallarès, Eduard Pujol and Francesc Ten for Junts; Laura Castel for Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya; and Lorena Roldán for the Popular Party.
Validation of the decree law
Before addressing the reform, Decree Law 7/2024 will also be subject to validation, which establishes urgent measures related to the financing of public sanitation systems, wastewater regeneration and social services. However, concerns have been expressed, especially by the CUP, that the approval of this decree will allow previously sanctioned companies to continue offering social services, which could be considered a setback in quality standards.
Criticisms and concerns
CUP members have expressed their disagreement, arguing that the decree modifies crucial aspects of accreditation requirements, allowing some companies that have already faced sanctions to continue operating in this sector. This could generate a debate about the integrity and quality of the public services provided.
