2024-11-13 14:10:00
In a strategic move prior to the Cassation ruling on the conviction of Cristina Kirchnerthe PRO block in the Chamber of Deputies has called a special session for November 20. It will seek to give half a sanction to the bill of «Clean Sheet«, which prevents politicians convicted of corruption from running for national office, even if the conviction is not final. In addition, voting by mail for Argentines abroad and modifications to the Penal Code will be debated.
The Clean File initiative was promoted by deputy Silvia Lospennato (PRO) and has the support of the blocks of La Libertad Avanza, the Unión Cívica Radical and other opposition spaces. The project establishes that those politicians with a confirmed conviction in the second instance for corruption crimes will not be able to be candidates until their sentence is revoked or the sentence is served. This legislative movement occurs right in the middle of the Cassation ruling (second instance court) that confirmed the conviction of Cristina Kirchner in the Road Traffic case to 6 years in prison and lifetime disqualification from public office.
Debate on disqualification in the second instance
The majority opinion of the project establishes that the disqualification of a candidate will apply as long as there is a conviction confirmed in the second instancewithout requiring a final ruling from the Supreme Court. ANDThis position has been supported by the PRO, the UCR, the Civic Coalition, Encuentro Federal and other opposition parties.
In contrast, The Unión por la Patria bloc has signed a minority opinion that proposes that only a final conviction issued by the Supreme Court should prevent electoral participation. The difference in positions reflects the sensitivity of the issue, which could directly impact the political future of the current vice president.
In addition to Ficha Clean, the PRO included in the agenda of the November 20 session the regulation of voting by mail for Argentines abroad, through a registry of voters residing abroad. “We want to approve these fundamental laws before the end of the current parliamentary period,” the bloc said in a statement on the social network X.
Another point on the legislative agenda will be the modification of the Penal Code in aspects of recidivism and repetition of crimes. These proposals seek to strengthen security laws, one of the axes of the opposition bloc in the current political context.
Finally, for November 21, the opposition bloc has called another special session that will address the reform of the regime of Necessity and Urgency Decrees (DNU) issued by the Executive Branch, after the failure of Tuesday’s session due to lack of quorum.
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**Interview with Deputy Silvia Lospennato on the Clean Sheet Bill and Upcoming Special Session**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Deputy Lospennato. There’s a lot of discussion around the upcoming special session on November 20. Can you explain what the ”Clean Sheet” bill is all about and why it’s being introduced now?
**Silvia Lospennato:** Thank you for having me. The “Clean Sheet” bill is a critical legislative initiative that aims to prevent politicians convicted of corruption from running for national office, even if their conviction is under appeal. We believe that integrity is paramount in public service, and if someone has a confirmed conviction for corruption, they should not be eligible to hold public office.
**Interviewer:** This bill comes at a pivotal moment, particularly with the recent confirmation of Cristina Kirchner’s conviction. How do you see this influencing the political landscape in Argentina?
**Silvia Lospennato:** Indeed, the timing is significant. The confirmation of Cristina Kirchner’s conviction serves as a wake-up call for the political system in Argentina. Our commitment to accountability is stronger than ever, and we hope this bill sends a clear message that corruption has consequences. It is vital for restoring public trust in our institutions.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned support from various political blocks. Can you elaborate on the coalition behind the Clean Sheet initiative?
**Silvia Lospennato:** Absolutely. We have garnered support not only from the PRO block but also from La Libertad Avanza, the Unión Cívica Radical, and other opposition groups. This coalition reflects a unified stance against corruption across party lines, as we all recognize the need for comprehensive reforms that ensure accountability.
**Interviewer:** In addition to the Clean Sheet bill, the agenda for the special session includes voting by mail for Argentines abroad and modifications to the Penal Code. Can you tell us more about these topics?
**Silvia Lospennato:** Yes, we’re addressing a range of important issues. Voting by mail for Argentines abroad is about ensuring that our citizens who live overseas can participate in the democratic process. Additionally, we will discuss necessary modifications to the Penal Code to strengthen our legal framework against corruption and other crimes, making it more robust and effective.
**Interviewer:** What do you expect from the upcoming debates in the Chamber of Deputies on these matters?
**Silvia Lospennato:** I anticipate a fruitful and constructive debate. This is a critical moment for us to legislate in favor of transparency and integrity. We’re hopeful that all deputies will recognize the importance of these reforms and work together to pass this vital legislation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Deputy Lospennato, for your insights and for your commitment to these important issues. We look forward to seeing how the special session unfolds.
**Silvia Lospennato:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for positive developments in our fight against corruption.
