As parliament draws to a close for summer vacation, it appears things are ending with a whimper and not a bang.
Members of the opposition – including the Independence Party and the Progressives – have expressed general satisfaction with the plan for today, which is slated to be parliament’s last day before the summer break. For example, they managed to reach an agreement to delay putting into effect a controversial water rights law.
However, the first matter up for discussion today will be the combining of several ministries, and that bill has anything but multipartisan support. Even some members of the Leftist-Green Party, who are in the ruling coalition, of expressed opposition to the idea.
Despite parliament “closing” for the summer, it must be kept in mind that many committees will meet over the summer months to work on bills that have made it off of the floor. Parliament officially reconvenes in October, but business as usual typically begins as early as late August.