Madness checks for Argentine politicians

Many people are furious at their legislators

Argentine politicians will have to undergo mental health tests to prove they are fit for office if a proposed bill is made law.

Senator Jorge Capitanich, the sponsor of the measure, also wants candidates to be checked for their physical well-being and to reveal details of tax payments and any criminal records.

Proposed checks

Eye test

Chest X-ray

Blood test

Neurological exam

Psychiatric tests

Mr Capitanich, a former Argentine cabinet chief, wants parliament to agree to the in-depth scrutiny of anyone standing for national, provincial or municipal posts.

Correspondents say politicians are increasingly the target of public anger as Argentina faces its worst ever economic crisis.

The most common street slogan ahead of next March's presidential elections is now said to be "Get rid of them all!"

Public madness

Four presidents have been forced to quit since last December and reports say that few lawmakers can go out in public without being insulted or spat at.

Argentina's politicians have been criticised by the country's church leaders and economists but most particularly, the 36 million people in the country, half of whom are estimated to live in poverty.

It is expected that the proposed changes to the election code - which correspondents say prompt the speculation that the country could be seen changing from a circus to a madhouse - will be debated this week.