Lights and shadows of the expansion of the principle of continuity in our General Courts (Spanish Parliament)

Abstract

The principle of continuity is today, fortunately, one of the principles that characterize a modern parliament. In our case, the Constitution and its implementing regulations have changed the historical tradition of suspensions and closures at the will of subjects outside the Chambers. Standing Committees with the capacity to react in periods of dissolution have been normatively provided for. The automatic succession of legislatures has been guaranteed. There are extensive regular annual work periods and there is the possibility of the Chambers holding extraordinary sessions. And in developing the rules, the Chambers, with numerous agreements, precedents and customs, some of them little known, have contributed decisively to expanding the continuity model. The special circumstances that have just been experienced in the 14th Legislature have also served to certify that today parliamentary continuity is demanded even in the most extraordinary circumstances.