Conservatives to back new powers for Santos

[Judi Lynn]

Conservatives to back new powers for Santos
Tuesday, 15 March 2011 06:30
Edward Fox

The Conservative Party gave its support to a bill proposing the allocation of more power to President Juan Manuel Santos, quelling last week's concern of a possible split in the National Unity coalition, Caracol Radio reported Monday.

After a meeting of more than three hours at the presidential palace, the Casa de Nariño, the Conservatives declared that they will vote on the draft bill that will grant the government special powers over the next six months to divide three government ministries and restructure some state agencies.

Conservative Party President Jose Dario Salazar said, "We are very pleased, we have offered unconditional support to his government, his policies, his ministers, especially conservative ministers."

Last week there had been speculation that the Conservative members were hoping to prevent the bill as a way of restricting the work of Minister for Justice and the Interior German Vargas Lleras.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/14894-conservatives-to-back-granting-of-special-powers-to-santos.html