PLN Continues To Rule in The Legislature
As expected, though there was some small doubt, the Legislative Assembly remains under the direction of the Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN), under the skillful management of Francisco Antonio Pacheco.

Pacheco was re-elected as president of the Assembly yesterday afternoon, after a drawn out vote that delayed the presentation of Costa Rican president Oscar Arias' annual report to the legislature. Arias was schedule to give his report by 4:00pm, but it wasn't until after 6:00pm that the president took to the podium.

Pacheco, who is also president of the PLN party and a doctor in philosophy, was elected to the one year term by a majority of the legislators. The vice-presidency goes to José Angel Ocampo and the first secretary position to Xinia Nicolás, both of who are members of the PLN.

Asked what to expect for his next term, Pacheco did not answer, other that to has his own questions to reporters of their doubt that he can restore the prestige of the assembly in the eyes of all Costa Ricans.

Legislators are being constantly accused of dragging their feet, especially when it comes to major legislative proposals, like the Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) and the reforms to the Ley de Tránsito (traffic laws), for example.

Pacheco says that during the last term the Legislature has made great strides and is very optimistic for the coming year, refuting charges that things will more of the same of the past.

Accused of being too close to Casa Presidencial (the executive branch of the government), some say he is a puppet of president Arias, Pacheco responded by saying that the president of the legislature has to stay close to Casa Presidencial, to avoid antagonism and potential disasters.

The deputies (legislators) have a political commitment and being of the same party we work together with the government, which should be a source of pride for the deputies and happiness for the people, being conscious of what is good for Costa Rica.