Congreso de los Diputados

The Congreso de los Diputados (Congress of Deputies) is the lower house of the Spanish Cortes Generales, the country’s bicameral parliament. It represents the Spanish people and holds significant legislative power, playing a crucial role in the formation and oversight of the government.

Composition and Election

The Congress is composed of 350 deputies, elected using proportional representation with closed party lists in 52 multi-member constituencies, corresponding to the 50 provinces of Spain plus Ceuta and Melilla. Each constituency is allocated a minimum of two seats, with the remaining seats distributed based on population. A 3% electoral threshold applies in each constituency, meaning parties need to secure at least 3% of the valid votes cast to be allocated seats.

Deputies are elected for a four-year term, although elections can be called earlier by the Prime Minister. Any Spanish citizen over the age of 18 can vote, and those over 18 can stand as candidates.

Powers and Functions

The Congreso de los Diputados holds considerable power within the Spanish political system. Its key functions include:

• Legislative Power: The Congress is responsible for debating and approving laws. All laws must be approved by both the Congress and the Senate, although the Congress has the final say in case of disagreement.
• Budget Approval: The Congress approves the annual state budget, giving it control over government spending.
• Investiture of the Prime Minister: Following a general election, the King proposes a candidate for Prime Minister. This candidate must then win a vote of confidence in the Congress to be formally invested.
• Motion of Censure: The Congress can remove the Prime Minister through a motion of censure. This requires a constructive vote, meaning the motion must propose a new candidate for Prime Minister.
• Government Oversight: The Congress scrutinizes the actions of the government through question time, parliamentary inquiries, and committees.

Organization

The Congress is headed by a President, elected by the deputies. The President presides over debates, maintains order, and represents the Congress. The Mesa del Congreso (Bureau of the Congress) assists the President and is responsible for the administration of the Congress. The Congress is organized into standing committees, which specialize in specific areas of policy, such as defense, education, or finance.

Significance

The Congreso de los Diputados is the central institution of Spanish democracy, representing the will of the people and holding the government accountable. Debates within the Congress shape public discourse and influence policy-making. The composition of the Congress reflects the diversity of Spanish society and political opinions, contributing to a vibrant and representative democracy. The ability of the Congress to hold the government to account and propose alternative policies ensures a balance of power and prevents the concentration of authority.