National Assembly a Charade – Deputy

LAWS in Panama are not discussed or analyzed in the National Assembly says an opposition legislator.

Panameñista Deputy José Luis Varela called the last period of the National Assembly a "charade" and lamented the lack of discussion about proposals.

"The laws are not being discussed or analyzed," he said. "There is an abuse by the members of the majority who don't seem to care what they approve. If the Executive submits it, it gets approved."
The plenary of the National Assembly approved 65 projects during the last session, almost all of which were presented by the Executive . The one dealing with foreign doctors caused a countrywide strike of medical practitioners lasting over a month, until it was returned to the Assembly with amendments. The recent introduction of a bill to create a new province is also facing rising opposition.