DRC passes government enabling law
During the 100th meeting of the Council of Ministers on Friday June 2, 2023 led by Félix Tshisekedi, the government adopted an enabling law. This enabling law will allow the government to take urgent measures concerning matters falling within the scope of the law for the execution of its action program during the next vacation of the two chambers of parliament.
The Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Rose Mutombo, proposed this text to allow the government to legislate on a certain number of subjects considered to be priorities during the duration of these parliamentary holidays, which take place after 15 June. This measure is authorized by article 129 of the constitution of the Republic.
Article 115 of the constitution specifies that each year, the National Assembly and the Senate hold two ordinary sessions: the first opens on March 15 and closes on June 15 and the second opens on September 15 and closes December 15.
Although this empowerment of the government is seen as an advantage for the urgent governmental actions necessary for the execution of its program, it has often been criticized by opposition parliamentarians who believe that parliament should not be a reasoning of the government by always responding positively to the various requests of the government.
The next few weeks will allow us to see the measures taken by the government on the matters it deems important for the proper functioning of the Republic. In addition, this government enabling law suggests that a new era is dawning in the DRC.