SaS Calls on Opposition to Reject Cooperation with Fico in Amending Constitution

Bratislava, 9 June (TASR) - The Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party has called on opposition MPs from the Christian Democrats (KDH) and the 'Slovakia', For the People and Christian Union (KU) caucuses to reject cooperation with Premier Robert Fico (Smer-SD) by supporting the government's amendment to the Slovak Constitution. SaS leader Branislav Groehling told a news conference on Monday that the amendment will harm Slovakia by prioritising "Slovakia's identity over European Union rights". He asked opposition MPs not to succumb to Fico's bait. "This change in the Constitution won't help anyone anywhere in Slovakia. Fico 'smuggled' a provision into this amendment that prioritises Slovakia's national identity over EU rights. You could squeeze absolutely anything into this provision, you could squeeze an amendment to the Penal Code in there that violated EU regulations, even though Slovakia has approved those EU regulations," stated Groehling. He claims that Slovakia's gradual withdrawal from the EU can also be discerned from the provision's formulation. "The argument will be that Slovak legislation cannot respect the European kind," he added. Groehling has therefore appealed to MPs from KDH and KU not to help to approve this amendment to the Constitution, which, according to him, is allowing Fico to cover up his government's problems. The definitive vote on the government's amendment to the Constitution should be held during the current parliamentary session. Votes from at least 90 MPs are needed for the amendment to pass. The premier expects the vote to be close. He praised the formulation of a provision that would make Slovak law superior to international law for cultural and ethical issues. According to him, it's in full compliance with Slovakia's fundamental treaties with the EU. MPs for KDH, along with Anna Zaborska and Richard Vasecka of KU (part of the 'Slovakia', For the People and KU caucus) have admitted to supporting the amendment at its second reading, although they are demanding some adjustments to its final draft. ko/df