The two paths that can unlock the debate on health reform

Days go by and the House of Representatives board has not reached an agreement to schedule the health reform.

Vice-presidents Lina María Garrido (Cambio Radical) and Jorge Tovar (peace seats) have remained firm and have refused to sign the agenda for the plenary session. Since the failed extraordinary sessions held on February 13 and 14, there has been no progress in the discussion of the initiative, which has 30 of its 62 articles approved.

Representative Garrido filed a document to exclude her name and signature from agendas that include health reform. The congresswoman asks for clarity on the economic impact of the project, compliance with the mandates of the Constitutional Court and awaits the ruling of a lawsuit to annul the decree that called for the extraordinary sessions.

“We cannot approve a reform without transparency, without resources and without complying with the law. We cannot approve the #DeathReform that they have called #HealthReform ,” Garrido wrote on his X account.

During the plenary session on Monday, a first indication was given of what could be one of the resources to unblock the debate on the Government's initiative. The Historic Pact tried to schedule the discussion, via a proposal, but was defeated.

Although the Executive is supposed to have a majority in this corporation , there were 82 votes against scheduling the health reform , which is a strong message about the bad atmosphere that the project currently has in the House.

“The Historic Pact tried, through its now frequent tricks, to bypass the Board of Directors to force the health reform to be scheduled. Do me a favor. You think you own the House of Representatives . You were soundly defeated. Respect it,” said Representative Catherine Juvinao, of the Green Alliance.

However, this resource will continue to be used and may be one of the ways to schedule the reform. To make this path effective, the Government must regain the majority in the House.

This would happen if the conservatives and liberals, who have supported the Executive, support the proposal, which could become a blockage to the vice presidents' refusal to sign the agenda. It should be noted that this strategy would have to be used every day if the board of directors refuses to schedule it.

However, this is not the only way. Although Representative Garrido has been firm and has acted consistently in her opposition stance, an agreement could be reached with Vice President Tovar.

Here the new Minister of the Interior, Armando Benedetti, plays a fundamental role, who has already been seen meeting with some parties to advance the Government's reforms.

The Benedetti 'effect' will have to start acting both in recovering the majorities and in the board of directors of the Chamber, especially with Tovar , who could end up being convinced to sign the agenda. Let us remember that only two signatures are necessary and that of the president Jaime Raúl Salamanca is practically certain.

During the governors' summit, President Salamanca said that there is indeed a difference within the board of directors. "I have expressed my position regarding the process of the same and it is to discuss this important project. I believe that the House of Representatives is here to debate; that is its essence, that is why we meet, to have the great national debates. In that order of ideas, the call made by the Historical Pact bench must be heeded by the board of directors and we should schedule the reform, whether we agree or not," he said.

If the health reform is not scheduled, the debate by the opposition will continue to be delayed. Although the health reform has until June 2026 to be approved, time is tight due to the pre-election season , since many congressmen will be focused on their reelection and campaign.

Maria Alejandra Gonzalez Duarte