Controversy Erupts as Doodling Incident Spreads on Social Media
The youngest member of Ecuador's National Assembly has sparked controversy after being caught doodling during a meeting. In response, the Ecuadorian parliament has launched a review to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken.
Dominic Serrano, a 19-year-old congressman from Ecuador, was caught doodling during a meeting, sparking controversy. Social media
According to the Latin American media outlet Infobae, Dominic Serrano, a 19-year-old lawmaker from Ecuador, was caught doodling during a parliamentary session and now faces disciplinary proceedings.
Serrano was seen doodling during a meeting of the Transparency, Citizen Participation, and Social Control Committee held in the National Assembly on July 2, which led to public debate. At the time, the committee was investigating allegations of illegal activity related to the signing of a contract between the government and a U.S. energy company.
A one-minute video showing Serrano doodling quickly spread on social media. In the footage, he appeared not to be paying proper attention to the meeting, prompting criticism over his "lack of political responsibility." While some defended him, arguing that doodling could help with concentration, the majority criticized him as an "unprepared individual sitting in parliament."
Valentina Centeno, a fellow member of the ruling ADN party, formally requested that the Legislative Administration Council (CAL) initiate disciplinary proceedings, asserting that ethics are not optional. Centeno stressed that lawmakers must uphold the dignity of parliament regardless of party affiliation.
The opposition Citizen Revolution Party also called for disciplinary action, citing a previous case in which an opposition lawmaker was suspended for 60 days for using a megaphone.
Having started his term in May, Serrano became the youngest lawmaker in Ecuadorian history. He is currently a first-year law student. His mother, a former parliamentary aide, has also drawn attention, with his family background becoming a subject of controversy.
The Legislative Administration Council will review whether Serrano's actions violated the National Assembly's code of ethics and regulations. If a violation is found, disciplinary measures could range from a warning to suspension from duties for a certain period.
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