The Lower House of Congress has began the debate on a package of consumer bills pushed by the Executive that seek to reform the Anti-Hoarding Law, to create a consumer’s forum and a price observatory. The bills were approved by the Senate last week.
The Victory Front’s bloc has the numbers to secure approval at a session that began at noon today and is expected to last up to a whole day, according to the president of the Lower House Julián Domínguez.
«A session of 24 hours is expected,» Domínguez affirmed.
For Victory Front lawmaker Diana Conti, the laws under discussion will allow the Executive «to have the tools to defend users and consumers in the best way possible.»
«These three laws contribute to fulfilling our obligation as a state,» the Constitutional Issues committee head told the Lower House today during the debate.
«Those who are looking for instruments of repression have got it wrong.»
Opposition legislators, meanwhile, underlined their rejection of the bill package.
[The bills] only serve to crack down on freedom of trade, allowing total intervention by the executive power,» radical Migual Ángel Giubergia fired, asserting that the creation of price observations is «a clear example.»
Renewal Front lawmaker and Argentine Industrial Union (UIA) secretary José De Mendiguren was another outspoken critic of the proposals.
«The state should be present, but that presence should be fair, clear and transparent,» he maintained while confirming that the party led by Sergio Massa was opposed to the new measures.
The bills were approved yesterday at a plenary of Lower House committees, following the extensive testimony of Domestic Trade Secretary Augusto Costa and Justice Secretary Julián Álvarez and interested stakeholders.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald