Colombia Elects New Senate and Chamber Presidents

A doctor and an expert in international business were elected presidents of the Colombian Senate and Chamber, respectively, during installation of the ordinary sessions of Congress 2.012-2.013, by the head of state Juan Manuel Santos.

 Member of the member of the Social Party of National Unity, commonly referred to as the U, Roy Barreras, claimes yesterday in his speech, for "respect and autonomy among the three branches of power" and encouraged the Executive to introduce major reforms to the country, such as tax and pensions changes." 

Barrrera said that Congress "must regain the trust of the nation, as people's approval ratings are the lowest of all times" and described the justice reform, opposed by President Santos, as a collective error that jettisoned an admirable job of two years. " 

Santos will have in the House of Representatives, "a staff willing to discuss in detail every initiative coming from his hand, but also incisive counterparts who have the strength to legislate independently," said Barrera.

Augusto Posada, who replaces Simón Gaviria as president of the Chamber, said Congress has "the responsibility of becoming a source of light, no shadows, as we are today perceived by public opinion."