Lower house to start debating amendment to pandemic law

The Chamber of Deputies is due to start debating a controversial amendment to the pandemic law on Tuesday. The proposed amendment seeks to broaden the government’s powers in enforcing restrictions without the need for a state of emergency.

Although the ruling coalition has enough votes to push it through, the opposition Freedom and Direct Democracy Party has said it would obstruct the debate for as long as possible to prevent its approval since it considers it an attack on people’s fundamental rights and freedoms.

Some 200 protesters gathered outside the lower house on Tuesday morning to demonstrate against its approval.