Minister of Defense, José Gavidia, hopes that the proposal on a new Constitution will be debated responsibly

The Minister of Defense, José Luis Gavidia, said this Sunday that the initiative that would be presented by the Executive so that, together with the Regional and Municipal Elections of October 2022, a referendum that decides whether or not to elect a constituent assembly, should finally be decided by the Congress of the Republic.

He assured that they will respect the current constitutional procedure and that, if the population votes for no to the referendum, the current Magna Carta will continue. Whereas, if they win the yes, all Peruvians will have to elect 130 assembly members for the elaboration of a new Constitution.

IN THE HANDS OF CONGRESS

José Gavidia said in an interview with Canal N that the Congressional Constitution Committee should evaluate the pros and cons of the proposal to vote and decide whether to go to plenary or not, where it will also have to be discussed.

“Congress will have to decide whether or not to approve the referendum (for a new Constitution). Constitutional reforms are proposals from all parties (...) The Congress is for that, to discuss, to debate these very important issues, and that I hope they will do so responsibly and with height to decide what is best for the country,” he said.

In addition, he said he hoped that, if he won the yes in a possible referendum, the 130 who are elected to the constituent assembly will be the best professionals. He added that many of the articles of the current Constitution could be repeated in the new Constitution.

Gavidia said that the initiative would be discussed this Monday, starting at 8:00 a.m., during a session of the Council of Ministers.

“The only way to get ahead is to work together, I have faith that congressmen and the Executive can work hand in hand for the good of our country,” said the head of the Defense portfolio.

At another time, Gavidia stated that the warning of the President of the Council of Ministers, Aníbal Torres, of an alleged “coup d'état” would have been given for a” incorrect interpretation” by the holder of the PCM. “I don't think there is an officer who thinks of an outdated coup adventure,” he said.

THE EXECUTIVE'S PROPOSAL

President Pedro Castillo on Friday led the VI Decentralized Council of Ministers in the city of Cusco, which took place at the Casa de la Juventud Coliseum. During his speech, the head of state announced the presentation of a bill for a referendum to be consulted in this year's regional and municipal elections to determine whether or not the population agrees with the change of Constitution.

He indicated that Parliament will have the power to approve or not to approve this initiative, which will be worked on by the Executive Branch immediately. “We are going to send a bill to Congress, following the constitutional course, so that, in these upcoming municipal and regional elections, the Peruvian people will also be consulted through a charter whether or not they agree to a new Constitution,” he said.

The proposal has generated rejection among representatives of the opposition, one of them being the leader of the Alliance for Progress, César Acuña, who considered that the call for a referendum for a Constituent Assembly would paralyze investment, generate confusion and that is not a priority for the country.

“Calling a referendum for the Constituent Assembly paralyzes investment, generates bewilderment and is not a priority or desirable. Peru does not need polarization but consensus and a new cabinet to get out of the serious political, economic and institutional crisis we are suffering,” said César Acuña on Friday night, through his Twitter account.

In the same vein, María del Carmen Alva, president of the Congress, was shown, who in a post on her Twitter account highlighted that there is no poll of an opinion that shows that the Constituent Assembly is a priority for Peruvians.

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