Via Iuris: Proposed Method of Choosing Police Corps President Unacceptable

Bratislava, November 23 (TASR) - NGO Via Iuris views a draft amendment to the State Service Act submitted to Parliament as unacceptable, as it would significantly strengthen the interior minister's political influence on the Police Corps president and the whole of the police in general, Via Iuris spokesperson Ivana Kohutkova told TASR on Tuesday. Via Iuris has called on MPs not to support the legislation, as it would result in the politicisation of the police. "It's unacceptable that the draft does away with a contest for the post of Police Corps president and head of the Internal Affairs Inspectorate (UIS) in front of a committee, leaving this role fully up to the interior minister. The current situation in society calls for key institutions to be depoliticised in order to preserve their independence and credibility," said lawyer Ivana Figuli, who cooperates with Via Iuris. The NGO thinks that the Police Corps president and UIS head should continue to be chosen by an independent committee via a transparent pubic tender, and not by the interior minister. The new Police Corps president should be appointed by the head of state, and not by the interior minister as proposed in the draft. Via Iuris also believes that the decision to oust the Police Corps president shouldn't be made solely by the interior minister, but also by other entities. It should only be possible to take such action based on reasons stipulated by the law and if the police chief fails to comply with the obligations set by law or threatens the credibility of the Police Corps by his behaviour. Parliament is scheduled to deal with the draft amendment to the State Service Act at its second reading at the session starting on Tuesday. According to the amendment, the interior minister's powers when appointing and dismissing the Police Corps president and UIS head might be significantly bolstered. Public hearings before a committee would have only a consultative character. It would be possible to dismiss both the Police Corps president and UIS head without giving a reason. ko/df