"Suspension of official trips abroad opens debate on reforms in Congress."

The recent decision to suspend official trips by congress members abroad for 60 days has sparked a broad debate about the need to reformulate the guidelines that regulate this activity. According to a statement from Congress, this measure aims to ensure that travel authorizations are carried out under the principles of plurality and proportionality of the parliamentary groups, an aspect that has faced criticism in the previous legislative session. The context of this suspension is framed by a growing public discontent towards the political class. The foreign trips of representatives of the people have been perceived as unnecessary expenses and, in many cases, as opportunities for leisure rather than for legislative work. The decision to temporarily limit these authorizations appears to be an attempt to regain the trust of citizens at a time when the reputation of Congress is at a critical point. Taking advantage of this pause in travel, Congress has announced a new initiative: the opening of Plaza Bolívar as a cultural space that will involve the participation of Departmental Clubs, educational centers, municipalities, and regional governments. This measure seeks to promote a closer relationship between the institution and the public, allowing citizens access to a space for meeting and participation. Furthermore, Congress has established that guided tours of the Legislative Palace, the Afro-Peruvian Museum, and Plaza Bolívar will be available from Monday to Sunday. This strategy aims to foster civic education and transparency, especially among delegations of students and tourists who wish to learn more about the functioning of the legislative power. However, this intention to open up to the public contrasts with the reality of a Congress that has been the subject of multiple criticisms, particularly due to the conduct of some of its members. A clear example of these controversies is the case of a legislator from Alianza para el Progreso (APP), who has faced serious accusations related to his involvement in bills that would benefit illegal miners. Such situations highlight the need for a deeper review of the actions and decisions of congress members. Despite efforts to improve the image of Congress, distrust persists. Recent scandals have led many citizens to question the ethics and integrity of the political class. The controversy surrounding official trips and the use of public resources for personal purposes has been a constant source of tension between the public and their representatives. The newspaper El Comercio has also reported that this same congress member was the legal representative of two informal miners who are under investigation for environmental crimes. Such ties between legislators and questioned sectors create a void in the credibility of the decisions made in Congress and call into question the impartiality with which they should legislate. It is evident that the suspension of trips and the new cultural initiatives are steps that could help restore the image of Congress, but these efforts need to be accompanied by a real commitment to transparency and ethics in politics. Citizens demand concrete actions and an end to practices that have led to distrust and disillusionment with politics. The opening to the public and guided tours are welcome initiatives, but they should not be seen as a magic solution to Congress's image problems. True reform must begin from within, with a clear commitment from all representatives to act in the best interest of the country and not personal interests. In this sense, the suspension of trips may be a first step in the right direction, but the question remains whether it will be enough to restore the lost trust. The evolution of these measures will be an indication of the willingness for change within an institution that urgently needs to regain its legitimacy in the eyes of the public.