Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Last session of Xicoténcatl: The Mexican Senate moves

At 23 minutes past 3 pm yesterday, the last session was held in the Mexican Senate's building Xicoténcatl. Now, the Senate will rather meet in the brand new, infinitely delayed complex in Reforma 135, on the corner of Insurgentes, which has cost about 2 and a half billion pesos.

The beautiful Xicoténcatl is filled with history - it has been the seat of the Senate's sessions for eight decades - and here are a few anecdotes from building personnel. My favorite: Jorge Cruickshank García, who as the  first-ever opposition senator (Partido Popular Socialista) in 1976 was ridiculed by his PRI colleagues, yet coolly responded, "One there there will be opposition and you will laugh no more."

The new Senate complex will be inaugurated today. Will the new high-tech environment actually result in better work productivity and a higher passage of laws?

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