The start of ordinary sessions in the National Congress this Saturday, March 1, has generated controversy by restricting access to the chamber of deputies exclusively to legislators. Additionally, it was established that accredited press photographers must remain in specified areas.
This decision, considered unprecedented in democratic governments, has caused confusion in the press. Historically, accredited journalists could access the designated boxes during the Legislative Assembly, making this measure a significant change with no apparent explanation.
The document restricting press access was issued on February 27. The Parliamentary Journalists' Circle has expressed its rejection of this determination, labeling it as 'an unconsulted measure.' In a statement, the CPP regrets the decision made by the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to limit the access of accredited journalists to the boxes generally assigned to the media.
It is important to highlight that the CPP emphasized that this restriction affects the informative task regarding a crucial event of the legislative year, such as the State of the Nation address delivered by the President in the Legislative Assembly. This fact has raised criticisms and questions about the necessity and rationality of this measure by the authorities of the Congress.
