LIMA PERÚ, ABRIL 26. Presidente del Consejo de Ministros, Pedro Cateriano, se presenta ante el Pleno del Congreso. Foto: ANDINA/Norman Córdova
Peruvian Congress gave a vote of confidence to the new ministerial Cabinet after several hours of debate following Prime Minister’s speech on his administration’s guidelines and government’s general policy.
In the presence of 122 lawmakers, the Congress supported Cabinet Chief Pedro Cateriano with 73 votes in favor, 10 against and 39 abstentions.
Carried out at the Peruvian Parliament building in Lima, the session approved the request made by Pedro Cateriano after more than 12 hours in session.
According to Congress President Ana Maria Solorzano, confidence motion has been passed and President Ollanta Humala shall be notified of such an agreement.
Cateriano’s presentation, which began at 9:37 a.m. (14:37 GMT) and lasted an hour and 15 minutes, was followed by a debate between congress members from different parties.
The session ended at 11:44 p.m. local time after the ministerial Cabinet got the confidence vote.
Prior to posing his final intervention, Cateriano let some ministers speak to answer some questions made by the legislators.
Peru’s Economy and Finance Minister Alonso Segura addressed the need to boost infrastructure investment and the country’s growth; while Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar-Vidal assured Tia Maria project in Arequipa has met the environmental impact assessment requirements.
According to Paola Bustamante, Development and Social Inclusion Minister, social programs are important to continue reducing poverty rates and clarified they are not assistance-oriented.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Anibal Velasquez announced the presentation of bill to improve healthcare service and that the necessary measures are being taken to control dengue.
Transport Minister Jose Gallardo detailed his portfolio will significantly enhance the national road system, as well as airports and ports.
Finally, Interior Minister Jose Luis Perez Guadalupe reaffirmed a thorough evaluation has been set to assess police actions against anti-mining demonstrators in Islay (Arequipa), and announced the purchase of non-lethal weapons for the police.
(END) SMA/ASH/RMB/MVB
Published: 4/28/2015